Need to Repaint/Reapply Boat Name!!

[Bill Goldsmith]

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill



goldy@bestweb.net

[john]

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

Vinal lettering is wonderful. Try some paint remover on a rag to get the old letters off, or sand them off with 220 grit wet/dry.



redzeplin@yahoo.com

[Hal]

I once had to remove some advertising from a van and a sign painter told me about a product (sorry, can't remember the name) that would soften the paint somewhat and also had a very fine grit to help remove the paint. It was a thick gray paste that had hardly any smell- it worked great. I'd either check with an old salt sign painter or poss. use a 600 wet/dry with plenty of water (sorry John, in my opinion 220 is much too course).

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

Vinal lettering is wonderful. Try some paint remover on a rag to get the old letters off, or sand them off with 220 grit wet/dry.

ficadoor@aol.com

[John Vigor]

Bill: Three quick answers (I'm supposed to be working.)

1. The pros use oven cleaner to get the old paint off. Sounds horrific? Trust me. It works. Won't hurt the gel coat. Don't leave it on too long, and wash well with water afterward.

2. Vinyl lettering is terrific. I wouldn't have anything else.

3. No need to use a renaming ceremony. You haven't changed the name. But the boat will look and feel a lot better with the old name newly applied.

Cheers, John Vigor

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

jvigor@qwest.net

[Jim Sullivan]

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

Chemical strippers are available that will not damage the gelcoat. I believe that strippers currently marketed for removing bottom paint would be safe and effective for topside application. Most marine supply stores would carry such products. After removing the paint and cleaning with an appropriate solvent, I would recommend vinyl lettering. I have used vinyl lettering on several boats now and the lettering in all cases has stood up without a problem. If you go with vinyl lettering, you could have the boat name and hailing port in different type/size font or just the boat name. Vinyl lettering gives a clean and professional look to the job that is long lasting.



jdsullivan@amexol.net

[Ken Coit]

I went back to look at the old posts on this. Easy Off Oven Cleaner (NaOH) is what it recommended. Although it is bad news, you really want to protect yourself, it claims to be non-toxic. Others have recommended working a small area at a time, spray it on, let it sit a few minutes until the paint bubbles, and scrape with clean white towels towards the remaining paint, not onto the clean space. Vinegar is recommended as a neutralizer. If you want to hear more, search the board for "oven cleaner."

I did it, and it worked. We also used vinyl lettering which worked very well.

Ken

Bill: Three quick answers (I'm supposed to be working.)

1. The pros use oven cleaner to get the old paint off. Sounds horrific? Trust me. It works. Won't hurt the gel coat. Don't leave it on too long, and wash well with water afterward.

2. Vinyl lettering is terrific. I wouldn't have anything else.

3. No need to use a renaming ceremony. You haven't changed the name. But the boat will look and feel a lot better with the old name newly applied.

Cheers, John Vigor

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

parfait@nc.rr.com

[Marino Curati]

I run an advertising/design studio and occasionally create graphics for my friends' boats. The best advice I can give with vinyl is get someone to help you line it up and don't try to apply it on a windy day.

I've had to redo a few botched jobs due to mysterious "knock and lifts" at the yacht club!

Marino Curati
Ty #74 Snug
Cleveland



mcurati@vision-design-inc.com

[sloopjohnl]

dittoes!!
ten-year old vinyl letters and still looking good.

Second Chance's name was apparently painted on the transom when she was new, i.e.1980. The paint is deteriorating. Last year, I used some boot stripe paint and painted over the thin spots, and it looked great for about 2 months. It appears I will now need to remove and completely repaint (or reapply with vinyl) the name. Questions:

1) Any suggestions for getting the old paint off the transom without damaging the gelcoat?

2) Any recommendations re repainting vs. vinyl lettering?

3) Any need to "rededicate" the boat with a modified "Vigor" ceremony, or to keep some of the old lettering paint on the boat, even though the name will stay the same?? Somehow I think the boat will be "happier" with the smart new lettering. (Boy, do I need spring weather or something).

Bill

Chemical strippers are available that will not damage the gelcoat. I believe that strippers currently marketed for removing bottom paint would be safe and effective for topside application. Most marine supply stores would carry such products. After removing the paint and cleaning with an appropriate solvent, I would recommend vinyl lettering. I have used vinyl lettering on several boats now and the lettering in all cases has stood up without a problem. If you go with vinyl lettering, you could have the boat name and hailing port in different type/size font or just the boat name. Vinyl lettering gives a clean and professional look to the job that is long lasting.