decal removal

[leskos]

want to replace registrtion numbers, what should i use to remove old one without damaging gellcoat?

[DaveG]

Re: decal removal

The registration numbers aren't that hard to get off. If you cannot just start them with your fingernail and peel them off try a blow dryer to heat them up and use a hard plastic scraper. It is possable to use a razor blade but it is REAL easy to cut the gel coat. There is also a product called "Sticker OFF" but it doesn't work real well if the soulution cannot get under the plastic of the sticker. Once you get the plastic off you can use several different solvents to get the sticky residue off - nail polish remover, acitone, WD40 among others.
Before you put your new stickers on be sure to get the area where they are going clean and wax free. Once the new ones are on be sure to wax the areas where you've been working to reprotect the gel coat.

[dank]

Re: decal removal

Why? is it stolen?

Not something that most people would have to do...unless the ski was damaged beyond repair?

[dsolie]

Re: decal removal

Dank,

I replace my reg numbers almost every year, just because I like new cool designs on my numbers etc. Also, after a few years, the numbers become faded. Just a little way for the ski to look better.

[leskos]

Re: decal removal

yea it's stolen............give me a break, Mich DNR gave me crap last year because I did not have the three inch gap between the numbers and letters. bought these machines used so I did not put them on. also they are peeling. what an idiot question. thanks to all with the good advice.

[Technical Support]

Re: decal removal

Heat gun.

[dank]

Re: decal removal

I thought you ment the registration numbers from the manufacturer. Not the sticker / numbers from the state.

Sorry, my fault not understanding the question.

[figure8]

Re: decal removal

Any good ideas on how to remove painted numbers? Bought a seadoo in Mich. with painted numbers and need to reg. in Ohio.

[DaveG]

Re: decal removal

I removed a painted on name from my boat with acitone and elbow grease.
Acitone won't hurt gelcoat but try it in a hidden area first as it can mess up plastic.
It took ALOT of rubbing but it came off fine. One thing to keep in mind, the area under these sticker (and paint) has been hidden from sun damage so even after the stickers come off you may be able to tell what was there. The fading will usually equal out after a season or two.
Dave

[dontcare4urshyt]

Re: decal removal

I had to change the Documentation name on my boat 2 years ago. The old name was painted on over 14 inches high and 13 feet wide.. A bunch of guys at the marina suggested using Oven Cleaner but not to let it stay on the gelcoatr too long. I tried it and it worked like a charm. The paint bubbled right off of the gelcoat. As far as the registration stickers, I hadda change mine because I had my ski tied to my boat overnight at a place called Davis Park. anyway, the ski was rubbing up against the bottom paint on the boat and it destroyed the registration numbers, to change them I used a heat gun and plastic scraper. Then to remove the glue I used "Sticker Off".

[1fastski.com]

Re: decal removal

Talstrip i think its called will work good for removing paint and wont hurt the gel coat , anything left just buff it with rubbing compound . you can get the talstrip at any paint store its pretty cheep .

[leskos]

Re: decal removal

used heat gun .......thanks all.......and Dank, thanks too.

[leskos]

Re: decal removal

hey ski...........bubbing compound won't hurt the gelcoat? is there a certian # I should use?

[DaveG]

Re: decal removal

I'm not ski....but...
Rubbing compound, properly used won't hurt the gel coat. It is an abrasive though, so you do have to use care. Especially if your using power tools.
I like turtle wax brand but don't think there's all that much difference in brands. Be sure to wax after buffing.
Dave

[c_verm]

Re: decal removal

I have a 97 wave venture, stickers were tough to get off. I tried everything and every chemical nothing did it.

What worked:
- Heat guy and slowly pulling the sticker off.
- Then this new stuff I found, pray it sticky backing stuck on your ski, wait 60 seconds that scrap with a plastic or metal trowel. it litteraly turns the sticker into gel within 45-60 seconds. http://exoticsigns.com/installation....inkFocus=Btn16

It took me a full day full of frustration to take one sticker off, then I found this spray is did my entire ski in 3 hours, freaking unbelievable.

Chris Vermeulen
www.TheGoldAndOilGuy.com