Remove Stick On Lettering from a Boat

Removing stick on lettering can get a little difficult at times. But there are a few tricks to get that glue to get off your boat.

Steps

  1. Try asking the company executives first. Before you start you do have an easy option: Bring the boat to the company who put the lettering on and have them remove it. This is usually very cheap and convenient if you need new graphics put on anyway.
  2. Use heat to remove it. If you don't want to take the boat to a company, then you can try for yourself. Start with a hair dryer or heat gun. (Be very careful when using a heat gun as they have the power to blister gelcoat.) Heat up the surface of the sticker then while heating the sticker slowly start to peel back the sticker with your nails or a razor blade once you have it started it is best to use your hands and slowly pull while heating what is still sticking this method will leave no sticky residue.[1]
  3. Opt to use a blade. This way also works but will leave a sticky adhesive residue. Start with a razor blade It is usually best to get the long, skinny razors with extend able blades, but this does depend somewhat on personal preference. The short fat ones work as well.[2] Try slipping the blade under the letters. Most letters you should be able to get off this way. As long as you are careful, you shouldn't have a problem scratching the fiberglass, but watch what you're doing with the blade.
  4. Remove the remaining substance. Of course, even if you get all the letters off with the razor blade there will be a sticky residue. This is an easy problem to solve. A product like mineral spirits, lacquer thinner or a cleaning alcohol on a rag should make the sticky residue rub right off.
  5. Spray with GooGone or WD 40. Either of these substances will remove almost anything with an adhesive backing.[3]

Tips

  • Keep the razor blade parallel to the boat, sliding it between the boat and lettering to avoid scratches
  • Don't try to do this while the boats in the water, I know this sounds obvious, but you'd be surprised at what some people try to do. Do this while the boat is on a trailer.

Warnings

  • Make sure any chemicals you use are safe to use on fiberglass. Always read the labels.
  • Razor blades are EXTREMELY sharp, be careful not to hurt yourself or others.
  • Skin may be sensitive to alcohol. Avoid skin or eye contact if at all possible
  • Some states require numbers to be displayed in specific ares of your boat. For example, in Florida we have to have FL numbers on the boat. If you take these letters off, don't take the boat out without putting new ones on. This would be against the law![4]

Things You'll Need

  • blow dryer or heat gun
  • Razor blade
  • Rag
  • Gloves (optional)
  • mineral spirits, or rubbing alcohol

Related Articles

References

  1. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mztwzx1yFKw
  2. ↑ https://www.boatus.com/magazine/2014/june/removing-stubborn-boat-fittings.asp
  3. ↑ https://americanboating.org/mem-easy-removal-lettering.asp
  4. ↑ https://www.flhsmv.gov/motor-vehicles-tags-titles/vessels/numbering-and-decals/
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