Helpful Hints
for Applying and removing vinyl boat names
How do I remove the OLD vinyl boat name?
In order to remove the existing vinyl name and hailing port without damaging the gel coat you'll need a hand-held hair dryer and a plastic ice scraper.
DO NOT USE A METAL SCRAPER.
Hold the hair dryer about 6" from the surface and set to the low heat setting. Slowly move the nozzle of the hair dryer back and forth while gently lifting the edge of the vinyl by applying only light pressure.
The heat from the dryer softens the vinyl but if too much heat is applied, the vinyl will melt and leave a scorch mark on the gel coat.
After the name has been removed, the area will have to be polished in order to even out the color of the gel coat.
To remove the old adhesive from the boat use "Goo Remover" or any adhesive remover which can be purchased at Wallmart, K-Mart or Target. Use this BEFORE the rubbing compound. It there is a discoloration from the old name, rub out with rubbing compound and DO NOT WAX area prior to name installation. You may wax over the name after it has been installed about a week.
If there is a wax barrier between the adhesive on the vinyl and the gelcoat, it does not allow the adhesive to bite into the surface and make a permanent bond. Customers who say the name does not stick have not removed all the wax properly!!
You are now ready to apply your new boat name!
How do I apply the new vinyl name?
Applying your vinyl graphics is simple if you follow some basic guidelines.
The boat names generally come in one piece and are sandwiched between a paper layer of transfer tape and a wax layer of backing.
Flatten it out in a warm room where pets and children can't find it. That transfer tape is a low tack sheet that will lift your graphic in one piece. The transfer tape is no match for the vinyl's pressure sensitive adhesive which will bond to the surface of the boat very tightly. Done properly, this job will last for over seven years, (or until you sell the boat.)
You will need only a few items:
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Mildly soapy water in a spray bottle or mister. Just enough dish detergent to break the surface tension and suds up a little. Maybe three or four drops per quart.
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A piece of hard plastic, ( squeegee)
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A roll of masking tape.
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An Exacta blade.
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A tape measure
Wait for a nice day, unless you are a fearless pro. The worst weather is windy weather. Rain is OK, but not while you're applying. Tarp it off if you have to. Vinyl should never be applied in temperatures less than 40 degrees Fahrenheit or 4 degrees Celsius. Also the lettering surface should be free of dirt and wax for best results.
Print completeapplication instructions at the following link:
http://www.yachtsee.com/installation.htm
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