Removing names easily

[SurryMark]

Just to confirm: Easy Off Oven Cleaner does do the trick for removing painted names on fiberglass.
The spray kind works, the blue gellish liquid not so much.
Wearing glasses is a good idea because it can blow around (doesn't seem to sting, but probably not good for eyes.)
We did it in 37ºF. Warming the surface first with hot air helps.
I was told, Don't Let It Sit Too Long! About a minute or so worked.
Rubbing hard with rag can do it. 400 or 600 black sandpaper is easier, then finish with rubbing compound.
Don't follow the letters too closely, or the cleaned area will show up as letters.
We didn't have a problem with the stuff dripping down and damaging paint below.

[Joe M]

Mark - are you repainting with the same name? If not, don' t forget John Vigor's renaming protocol (http://www.48north.com/mr_offline/denaming.htm). Dripping paint residue would be the least of your worries. Thanks for the great tip.

[Neil Gordon]

Rubbing compound and a damp rag is all I used. The old name "transferred" to the rag, turning it blue. 15 years later, the old name is still gone.

[SurryMark]

Mark - are you repainting with the same name? If not, don' t forget John Vigor's renaming protocol (http://www.48north.com/mr_offline/denaming.htm). Dripping paint residue would be the least of your worries. Thanks for the great tip.

In a nod to never setting sail on Friday or traveling with a parson, keeping a rag with the remnants of the old name or avoiding I-told-you-sos on forums, and because it's what I think, I'm going to adhere a note with the documentation number saying "Thank you (name of previous ((and original)) owner) and (old name of boat)." Maybe someday that will be cited as a traditional way of avoiding loud generators at night and spade rudders. Thanks and may you never have to change a name again . . . m

[JWSutcliffe]

We had great success with EasyOff removing the painted name on transom. Be very, very cautious, however. EasyOff is lye (caustic) based, and chews through both most rubber gloves and the skin on fingers quite quickly. If it gets through your gloves the only way to neutralize it is immediate application of a mild acid. Rinsing hands with water does not stop the erosive effects.

[bhartley]

Do not try to skimp and use another brand. Easy-Off is the only one I have had instant success with. The dollar or two difference in cost is worth it. You can, however, use the cheap kind to remove baked on stains from your cookware!

[Neil Gordon]

If it gets through your gloves the only way to neutralize it is immediate application of a mild acid.

Don't panic when after you pour the vinegar, your hands start to foam!

[Skeep]

Yesterday in 60 degree weather I peeled the vinyl letters off my transom with the help of a putty knife and my fingers. Time elapsed: 30 minutes. Now the previous name of the vessel is apparent under the coat of white paint, how hilarious!

[trapper]

Easy off also works on some bottom paint. It was the only way to get about 1/4" of old paint off my Pearson Ensign. I bought lots of cans of easy off but I finally found it in a liqudt form on line. The liquid is a little easier on your fingers if
you are going to need a lot as the spray will eventually eat up the glove then the finger--you can paint on the liquid.

before Easy Off


After Easy Off

[Skeep]

I may try that method next season--