Vinyl graphics

[blueskyracer]

Just a really quick question. Is there a really quick and non destructive way to remove vinyl graphics that are out dated from a boat?

[mrlou40]

hair drier or a heat gun

[proprider]

heat gun

Soften them up with a heat gun or hair dryer. They peel off pretty easy then. Laquer thinner or rubbing alcohol will get the remaining residue. This has always worked for me.

[Tom10W]

As stated above, a heat gun works great.
To get the adhesive off, Goo-Gone is the ticket.
You can get it at most hardware stores. Comes in a little bottle and is gold in color.

[22W]

Even cheaper than Goo-Gone is good ol' WD-40. Spray it on, wait a minute and then armstrong off the sticky stuff.

[blueskyracer]

Thanks to everyone. I just happen to have a heat gun so I will give her a try this weekend.

Mike

[blueskyracer]

I got out the heat gun and it worked like a charm. Then a little mineral spirits and it's all gone. Now I am going down to order new graphics.

Thanks again

[Jack Stotts]

When you put the new graphics on make sure the surface is totally free of dust. Then spray Windex on the surface. Leave it there and apply the graphics and smmoth out all the bubbles and spray. The graphics shop may have a better spray than Windex but I have found it works great. Allows you to move the graphics around some and get then exactly where you want them. Ounce in place, be sure to remove all the ac***ulated Windex while smoothing the graphics. Clean the surface of lent before the next application as some will come off the towel you use to get the moisture off of the first piece applied.

[blueskyracer]

Jack, I tried soapy water under the decal and it was great for the bubbles and positioning except I could not get it to stick good enough to peel off the upper tacky paper. Do you have to wait for all of the windex to evaporate.

[Andy111]

You have to wait for it to dry first. The "stickiness" of the vinyl when applied to the surface- in this case your boat, is "stickier" than the application tape is to the surface of the vinyl. If you get anxious and try to pull off the application tape before your fluid has had a chance to dry, the vinyl will probably come with it- which you experienced. Application fluid is best, but you can get away with a little liquid dish detergent and water.

[Jack Stotts]

To tell the truth, I'm kind of a novice when it comes to the graphics so I peel it from the application tape as my first step and the place my graphics on the wetted surface and smooth out the air and moisture. When I get the air and moisture out, I'm done. The real pros don't do it this way. Jack

[Andy111]

To tell the truth, I'm kind of a novice when it comes to the graphics so I peel it from the application tape as my first step and the place my graphics on the wetted surface and smooth out the air and moisture. When I get the air and moisture out, I'm done. The real pros don't do it this way. Jack

What you should do it the opposite. Peel away the backing material then apply the graphic to the wetted surface. Then use an application tool (you could just use a credit card or drivers license) to remove any air bubbles. If you didn't have application tape on top of the graphic, you could scratch it when your removing the bubbles. The is especially true with mettalic vinyl. Of course the graphic should be taped to the surface in the desired location before the backing is removed. I usually cut the backing in half and then remove the masking tape that was there to temporarily hold the graphic in place.

[Fast Jack]

Easter Decals

Hi Jack , I noticed you clean the surface of LENT , I think this only applies if you are puting on decals on Good Friday ... Your Pal Shawn

[Jack Stotts]

You got it Shawn! I'm consistantly amazed how well you grasp the situation. Jack

[guedo499]

A small part of my business is vinyl. Like many things, vinyl of old has been replace by vinyl of new, meaning the new stuff is quite a bit better (especially seen when taking the stuff off). There are a few methods applying decals, but what I train my guys, specifically for small applications such a number plates, don't use any liquid to apply. The new vinyl is porous and will allow the trapped (bubbled) air to escape once it hits a sunny afternoon. On larger applications, do use a “soapy “liquid when applying. A couple of drops of dishwasher soap in a 1 liter spray bottle usually does the trick. Get the sticker, the surface and your hands wet and squeegee the excess water out. If you have a multiple angle surface, something like a sponson tip and you can’t quite get the vinyl to stay/lay down, use a mix of 50/50 mix of isopropyl alcohol and water on the area that won’t stay down. The alcohol mix (don’t drink this one) will both sponge away the water mix and add extra tack to the vinyl anchoring it in place. Also, the way I do my number plates now-days is digitally, meaning the black (lettering or background) is printed on the white vinyl and is coated in a UV clear. This looks to make a much cleaner finish and much easier to apply being only one piece rather than two. John.