The Art Of Boat Decal Replacement: A Step-By-Step Guide

Boat decals are designed to be durable and withstand harsh marine environments, making them challenging to remove without damaging the boat's surface. However, with the right tools, techniques, and patience, you can successfully replace boat decals. This process typically involves heating and scraping off the decals, using an eraser wheel, or employing a pressure washer with hot water. The chosen method depends on factors such as the tools available, the boat's hull material, and the desired level of effort and expense. Once the old decals are removed, proper cleaning and preparation of the surface are crucial before applying new graphics to ensure a fresh and long-lasting look.

Using a heat gun and a scraper

To remove your boat decals with a heat gun and a scraper, start by heating up the decals with a hairdryer or heat gun. Continue to apply heat until the decals become soft and flexible. Be careful not to apply too much heat, as this can damage the underlying surface of your boat. Instead, focus the heat on the scraper itself, which will allow you to lift the decals off without causing heat damage.

Once the decals are soft enough, use a scraper or razor blade to gently remove them from the boat's hull. Newer decals will come off more easily, while older ones may require more effort and may only come off in small pieces.

After removing the decals, use a suitable solvent to wipe down the area and remove any remaining glue residue. Be sure to spot test the adhesive remover on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure it does not damage or discolour the surface. Finally, clean the area with soap and water, and check for any remaining pieces of vinyl or adhesive.

Using an eraser wheel

Firstly, wipe down the surface of the boat's decals with soapy water before you begin. This will ensure that the area is clean and ready for the removal process.

Next, attach the eraser wheel to your power drill. Eraser wheels typically come with a bit that is designed specifically for this purpose, so it should be easy to secure the wheel in place.

Once the eraser wheel is attached, gently but firmly press it against the boat's decals. Pull the trigger on the drill to start wearing away the vinyl. It is important to note that the decals may not come off easily, so you will need to be patient and persistent, running the eraser wheel over them multiple times as they are gradually erased.

By the end of the process, there should be nothing left except for a few flakes of vinyl stuck to the underlying adhesive. At this point, you can stow away your tools and begin the clean-up process.

To remove any remaining glue or adhesive, soak a rag in your chosen solvent and wipe the surface clean. You can then use soapy water and a rag to remove any remaining solvent residue. Finally, use a new rag to dry off the surface, ensuring that all signs of the decals are gone.

Using a pressure washer with hot water

First, check that your pressure washer is compatible with hot water. You don't want to accidentally damage the machine while removing the decals. Hot water is necessary as it softens the vinyl, making it easier to remove. Keep in mind that this method is best used on boats with thicker, more durable hulls. Thin-skinned boats may be damaged by the high-pressure water.

• Heat up the water to be used in the pressure washer.
• Fill the reservoir with hot water and turn on the pressure washer.
• Start the pressure washer on a lower setting and begin applying it to the vinyl decals.
• If the lower settings aren't effective, gradually increase the power until you start removing the decals.
• Continue pressure washing until only the remnants of the adhesive are left.
• Turn off the pressure washer.
• Use a rag and your chosen solvent to remove any remaining adhesive from the boat's hull.
• Turn the pressure washer to a low setting and rinse off any remaining solvent.
• Dry off the boat's hull.

After you've removed the decals, be sure to give your boat a good cleaning!

Removing glue from a fibreglass boat

Prepare the necessary materials and tools:

Before you begin, ensure you have the following items readily available: acetone or nail polish remover, clean rags or microfiber towels, liquid dish soap, a bucket, warm water, and a plastic scraper or razor blade. Additionally, it is recommended to have rubber gloves and eye protection for safety.

Apply acetone to a rag:

Start by pouring a small amount of acetone, also known as nail polish remover, onto a clean rag. Ensure the rag is damp but not soaked. You may also use rubbing alcohol, especially if you prefer a higher concentration for more effective glue removal.

Wipe away the glue:

Using the acetone-dampened rag, begin to gently wipe away the glue on the fibreglass surface. The acetone will soften the glue, making it easier to remove. Work in small sections to prevent the acetone from drying out before you can wipe away the glue.

Reapply acetone if needed:

If the glue is particularly stubborn, reapply acetone to the rag and continue wiping. You may need to do this several times, depending on the amount and type of glue present. Always ensure the rag is damp with acetone to facilitate the removal process.

Prepare a soapy water mixture:

In a bucket, add a few drops of liquid dishwashing soap to warm water. Stir the mixture gently to create a light soapy solution. This will be used to clean the fibreglass surface after removing the glue.

Wipe down the fibreglass with soapy water:

Moisten a clean cloth with the prepared soapy water and thoroughly wipe down the fibreglass surface. This step will help remove any remaining glue residue as well as any dirt or debris that may have accumulated during the removal process.

Rinse and dry the fibreglass:

Once you have removed all the glue and wiped down the surface with soapy water, it is time to rinse and dry the fibreglass. Use fresh water to rinse away any remaining soap or residue. Finally, use a clean rag or microfiber towel to thoroughly dry the fibreglass surface.

Alternative methods:

If you do not have acetone or rubbing alcohol available, there are alternative methods you can explore. One option is to use a specialised adhesive remover, such as 3M Adhesive Remover or Goo Gone. These products are designed to safely remove adhesives without damaging the underlying surface. Additionally, you can try using isopropyl alcohol, which is effective in removing various types of glue and tape residue. For more stubborn glue, you may need to use a combination of methods or seek out specialised marine glue removers.

Cleaning the area after decal removal

After removing the decals from your boat, you will need to clean the area thoroughly. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Step 1: Remove Leftover Adhesive

Use an adhesive remover to get rid of any adhesive residue left on the surface. Examples of suitable products include Goo Gone Adhesive Remover, 3M Bumper Sticker Adhesive Remover, Rapid Remover, and UNI-SOLVE adhesive remover wipes.

For more stubborn residue, you may need to use a stronger solvent such as a general-purpose adhesive cleaner like the 3M General Purpose Adhesive Remover. Other options include isopropyl alcohol and WD-40 Multi-use products.

Always perform a spot test on a small area first to ensure that the product does not cause any discolouration or damage to your boat.

Step 2: Wash the Area

Once you have removed the adhesive residue, wash the area with a cleaner suitable for your boat's surface. For example, if you have a fiberglass boat, you could use Boat Juice Exterior Cleaner, Oxy Solve Total Outdoor Cleaner, or Star Brite Instant Hull Cleaner.

Step 3: Rinse and Dry

After washing the area, rinse it with fresh water and dry it thoroughly. This step is important to ensure that no residue or cleaner remains on the surface.

Step 4: Deal with Shadowing

If your boat has had decals on it for a long time, it may develop shadowing due to frequent sunlight exposure. To fix this, put your boat under the sun to restore its colour. For more severe cases of shadowing, you may need to wet sand and buff the area. Suitable buffing solutions include 3M Buffing Compound Hand Glaze and Meguiar’s Oxidation Remover.

Step 5: Final Cleaning

After removing the decals, adhesive residue, and shadowing, give your boat a final cleaning with warm water and dish soap. Put some warm water in a bucket and add a generous amount of dish soap. Mix it well, then soak a clean cloth or rag in the solution and wipe down the area.

Rinse the area with fresh water and wipe it dry with a clean cloth.

Now your boat is ready for new decals!

Frequently asked questions