Removing Decals

[Steve_D]

OK we've started one of those jobs that you really wish you hadn't started, 10 mins later.

Attempting to remove some old decals, we can get the coloured bit off ok with a scraper and the carefull application of some heat.

The problem is the adhesive which is proving very stubborn, The most success so far is with Gunk (the engine cleaning stuff). Has anyone any suggestions on suitable removers? The only thing that I can think of is acetone.

All suggestions gratefully received.

Regards

Steve D

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[oldgit]

Always ended up using T-Cut.

<hr width=100% size=1>Oooh look its still not dark and its nearly 5pm

 

[byron]

<font color=blue>I'm not going to add anything useful except to warn you. When a Decal is removed it leaves a discoloured patch, the colour being the original whilst the rest of the boat has weathered.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[bigmart]

I find Brasso is effective. Its not that its abrasive(which it is) but the solvents they use seem to disolve the adhesive very effectively.

Martin

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[castaway]

Steve

I've always found that boiling water softens the decal and adhesive, and it peels away dead easy.

Nick
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather>http://www.yachtsite.co.uk/fairweather</A>

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Happy1]

Steve,

I think I have what you require, it is called 'Sticky Stuff Remover', I have used it on numerous things, brilliant stuff. I don't know how it removes the adhesive, but it smells of lemon. The bottle is 250ml, it states on it 'A powerful yet safe solution to sticky and greasy problems. Removes messes left by chewing gum, tar, oil and adhesives from virtualy any surface. I bought it from a hardware shop, but have found the website for the stuff at :-

http://www.mykal.co.uk/pages/cons/safe_solutions.htm

If you go to stockists I think you will find J.Lewis and Focus sell it amongst others. I don't have much left or would have sent you a small bit to try out. It is only about £3.99 a bottle, but well worth keeping one just in case. It has always worked 100% for me.

Good luck getting unstuck /forums/images/icons/wink.gif

<hr width=100% size=1><font color=purple> "You only see what you recognise, and you only recognise what you know" <font color=purple>

 

[DepSol]

Steve I have a degreasing solvent type stuff I bought at Herm seaway or Boatworks + then use a mild cutting paste to get rid of the discloration.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me

 

[DepSol]

Actually I remember now got to Quayside and ask Martin or Trevor for some stuff to het rid of sticky stuff, they will show you this stuff that gets rid of silicon aswell works real good.

<hr width=100% size=1>Dom

2003 is going to be a good year for me

 

[Steve_D]

Yes we had already noticed that, we are going to replace it with another go faster stripe anyway so that shouldn't be a problem. The most bizzare bit is that on some of the bits that we have cleaned off the gel coat underneath is slightly raised. You can't really see it but you can feel it. The only thing I can think of is that its as a result of 20 years of polishing etc.

Thanks

Steve D

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Steve_D]

Thanks Dom

I've got to pick up some glass from K de P tomorrow, I'll pop in for a chat.

Thanks

Steve D

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[Steve_D]

Thanks to all

We will be trying most if not all of the suggestions out over the next week and will report back of the most effective!

Steve D

<hr width=100% size=1>

 

[rich]

Re: Thanks to all

Steve, Synthetic thinners will do the job. It must be SYNTHETIC,

<hr width=100% size=1>rich )

 

[Guest]

I always use International Thinners No.1 for those greasy/sticky marks and stubborn stains that nothing else will shift! I can't vouch for it being non-damaging on every surface so test an inconspicuous area first When all else has failed, pure acetone can work wonders, but it's lethal stuff so the health warning is even more important.

Good luck!
Nigel

<hr width=100% size=1>Medway Motor Yacht Club
<A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.mmyc.co.uk>http://www.mmyc.co.uk</A>

 

[Steve_D]

The Definitive answer (Maybe)

Right! having tried all sorts of alchemy including several substances banned by international conventions, we have come to the following conclusion.

When you need to remove the decals from your boat it is time to sell it!

No, I mean it, just sell the damn thing!

The alternatives:
GUNK was quite good at getting off the sticky stuff
The Sticky Stuff remover was almost as good as the GUNK
The best was acetone but almost caused frostbite through a double layer of marigolds and ate the other gloves completely.

After all that, on the last stretch I discovered that if you got the temperature of the decal and gellcoat just right it just peeled off!

Hold the hot air gun about 6" away on the low setting, get an edge with your thumbnail and simply peel off, glue and all. Each stripe has been taking about 2-3 hours, I did the last three in about twenty minutes once I got the knack.

Still, she looks much cleaner now, and now that I've learnt my lesson I'll never have to do it again.

Regards

Steve D

<hr width=100% size=1>