What is the best way to clean off old name decal remnants?

Steve S

Steve S

Well-Known Member
Jun 5, 2007
3,146
Northern IL.
Boat Info
2000 400 Sedan Bridge with twin CAT 3116's

2000 340 Sundancer - SOLD!
210 Monaco 1987 - SOLD!
Engines
Twin Caterpillar 3116's 350 HP straight drives
In the process of renaming my 400DB. I got the old decal off but still have glue and marks remaining. What is the best way to clean this off? Buffer and compound?
 
Wear some gloves and use a rag soaked in acetone in a well ventilated area. The goo will come right off. When done, use a rotary buffer with a wool pad and rub out the transom. Use a finishing polish with a new clean wool pad to polish the transom. Wax it when done.
 
I have seen Decal "Eraser Wheels" used on cars, I would imagine they work as well on Gelcoat. Then buff, polish, and wax. If the decal/lettering has been there a long time the fade difference will normally not go completely. You'll probably still get a ghost of the old lettering. And those plastic razor blade things are awesome.
 
+1 on these: Heat from a heat gun/hair dryer and use only a plastic scraper, then Goo Gone to remove residual glue, then clean with acetone to remove any residuals left from the goo gone. Depending on the ghosting you may need to buff or even lightly wet sand. If your lettering over it it may not even be noticeable in sunlight. Ghosting tends to show up on angle views.

-Kevin
 
No one has mentioned 4 beers.....don't start without at least 4 beers in the fridge... And after you get everything off... Depending on how long the name has been on...the gel coat around can be worn down slightly leaving the name slightly raised and noticeable.... Wet sanding works best if that's the case
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
113,274
Messages
1,429,772
Members
61,146
Latest member
bmel
Back
Top