Vinyl Graphics Installation

Hello Trawler friends. I'm renaming my boat. Step one: Removal of the old graphics and adhesive is complete. I will compound the transom next. After compounding, my question is: Do I wax and then install the new graphics or install graphics and then wax. Any advise would be helpful.

Thank you
Alex

Ahoy,

Ultimately I would defer to the manufacturer of the vinyl. I waxed ours AFTER application.

We applied/removed these from new dealer boats for boat shows. The boats were painted (Hatteras) and there was no wax.

On IRENE, which is gelcoat, I removed all of the wax after I polished off the prior painted name. I figured anything between the decal and the boat was undesirable. Two years out in the weather, and the decals still look like new. I only hand-wax on and near the decals. I ordered mine from signspecialist.com (no affiliation) and feel I received a very fair price.

Best Wishes

Jeff

Jeff nailed it. Wax off, clean the surface well (I use acetone) wipe it down again with a clean rag, then apply the name decal.

I'm going to show my ignorance here. As for "Clear coat". Is clearcoat only a thin layer over the fiber glass. And if so, will acetone eat though that layer.

I agree to,put vinyl on before waxing. I got my boat name from BOAT/US.

HeatherAlyssa said:

I'm going to show my ignorance here. As for "Clear coat". Is clearcoat only a thin layer over the fiber glass. And if so, will acetone eat though that layer.

Click to expand...

You might be confusing gelcoat and clearcoat. Gelcoat is the smooth layer integrated with and over the fiberglass layers,it`s the finished surface you see, and can be polished. Clearcoat is more automotive use, a clear coat of lacquer, usually high gloss,
over colored paint. It may be used on painted boats too,to hilight gloss.
Maybe a paint expert will know more.

BruceK said:

You might be confusing gelcoat and clearcoat. Gelcoat is the smooth layer integrated with and over the fiberglass layers,it`s the finished surface you see, and can be polished. Clearcoat is more automotive use, a clear coat of lacquer, usually high gloss,
over colored paint. It may be used on painted boats too,to hilight gloss.
Maybe a paint expert will know more.

Click to expand...

You nailed it
Awlgrip and Awlcraft are available in clear and can be applied over similar colored coats for appearance and protection.

Be sure and spray a lot of dawn/water mixture on the surface and back of decal before and during applying the name. Keeps the decal movable. You can't spray too much.

Don't worry-it'll stick either way. Dpn't ask me how I know

Don't worry-it'll stick either way. Don't ask me how I know

Dawn is a great way to prep the surface. It will remove oils and wax from surface and do no damage to it. It is also what you need to give yourself the ability to slide it around while you install the graphics.

Bacchus said:

You nailed it
Awlgrip and Awlcraft are available in clear and can be applied over similar colored coats for appearance and protection.

Click to expand...

Hey Don: Since you've been extremely helpful to me in past posts, and have had specific experience with your lovely painted MS, I have another question for you.


I'm planning a boat name change and obviously must remove the old vinyl graphics from my Awlcraft 200 painted transom. Would you say that it's safe to use a hairdryer for the task? And what product or product type could you recommend to remove any glue residue that won't damage the paint surface? Thanks.

Hairdryer/heat gun OK. Just keep it moving. When vinyl starts to lightly bubble it's ready to lift. Acetone shouldn't bother cured paint. Test in small area. Isopropyl Alcohol will also remove adhesive with a bit more effort and is a little more paint friendly.