Decals

[WakeJefe]

I know Glen has the answer to this but;

Other than cosmetics is there a reason to remove decals from a boat?

Do they wear at a different rate than the hull?

If I remove them, how would I go about it?

Thanks
Jefe

[signmansez]

Wake, depending on how much exposure to the sun your decals get will determine the amount of wear or fade. You can remove them with heat from a heat gun or hairdryer. Any remaining adhesive can be removed with a solvent. I prefer to use xylene as it has a slower evaporation rate than acetone. Pour a small amount into a plastic paint cup and apply to the adhesive with a chip brush. Let it soak for a moment and scrape using a plastic scraper. You may have to do this a couple of times to get through the lower levels of the adhesive. perform this on a small area first and be careful not to over apply the solvent not letting it drip all over. If you have a "ghost" left of the graphics image this may take a season or two to disappear, or it may remain forever, again this depends on the age and amount of exposure to the sun they have had.
Good luck, and feel free ta ask questions I will be glad to help. Capt. Rodg (Signman Sez, Inc.)

[WakeJefe]

Many thanks,

The decals would be removed from a brand new boat.

I assume this would be the best time as the hull has had no exposure to the sun.

Your thoughts?

Jefe

[signmansez]

Absolutely. I do this quit often for new boat owners. Are you replacing them with something else?

[WakeJefe]

I dont believe I will be replacing the decals.

Although the decals on the hull sides may leave a nice place for the name (yet to be decided).

Cheers

Jefe

[Glen E]

no decals...class move...

[signmansez]

I prefer the clean no decal look myself, with just a small name logo towards the stern and 2-color matching reg. #'s. Too many boats with too much crap on them!