I want to remove the decals to up date boats look. Does anyone have an idea if the fading difference can be buffed out and if so procedures to do so. Also looking for ideas to replace present design / wrap,decals,paint Thanks
You need to cut the faded(oxidized) paint back to get to the fresh clean paint.
You could sand it with 1600 grit wet and dry or use a cutting compound polish.
Have also used a clay bar to remove rubbish from paint before and it worked good.
either way you have to be real careful not to go to deep and take to much paint off.
Then give the hole boat a new coat of polish!!!:rofl:
This is a big job, will take hours to do properly. Maybe you could talk to your local panel and paint shop and find out what they would charge or get a few idea's on products to use.:cheers:
Hey Seaworthy, My recent purchase of a 96 hx may help you. The ugly a** decals(maybe just ugly colors,lol) were looking pretty rough on this ski. So I removed everything. You will first need a heat gun from your local hardware store. Just get something cheap, it will last forever. Start by heating up an area(of decal), then take your fingernail and just start working an edge. Always pull at an angle away from the direction you are working. This will(not always) help to get some of the glue with it. Patience.... this will take some time, it is not a quick job. Next, any adhesive can be removed with acetone, please wear gloves and do it outside, acetone causes brain damage over an extended period of use(years). Also keep away from plastic parts, trim, etc. When done, use rubbing acohol and go over entire ski. Machine buffing will come next. Some good compound made for boats will work best. Again, take your time, don't use the edge of the buffing pad and go lighty as you work the faded area. It is more of a feely, touchy thing as far as buffing goes. If you go easy as you work there should be less likely a problem with burning the paint. But you have to expect that the paint or gel coat could be thin in some areas. Depending on how much fadeing there is, you may not get a 100% job. But it will certainly make a difference. Exoticsigns.com has a great selection of factory style and also custom color decals to chose from. I plan on going back with the original hx decals, except different colors. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.
I am in the process of removing all the vinyl on my big boat and have done almost exactly what blaster 52 recommended. Forgot to add: don't overheat the vinyl, you will be able to tell what the correct temp is by how the vinyl and adhesive peels off. It just takes a little time to learn the right heat to peel ratio.
I am using a cheap buffer from Harbor Freight - works great: http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92623
The other recommendation I have is Meguiars Boat and RV: http://www.meguiarsdirect.com/detail/MEG+M4965
This is a little expensive, but it works very well.
Good luck, be sure to take before & after pics and them share with us.
For sure the heat gun is the best way to get the vinyl off. I did it with my old S10 when I had tribal graphics on it. That was a while ago but I did the heat gun and it worked great. I am thinking about doing the same thing to my Challenger. The decals are kind of faded on mine as well. I already have a buffer I use for my car it is a Porter Cable one. I also use 3M Compound and it works great on cars so I am going to assume it will work great on the boat too. I am axiously awaiting spring time and winter isn't even here yet.
im also removing decals from my boat. i used 3M Adhesive Remover and a plastic razor blade. don't use a metal one!(big trouble if you do). yeah just take your time when removing decals. im going to go back with a group of decals that i put together myself. spring can't get here soon enough!
