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**Dockhead** · 14-04-2010, 08:49

What's better, guys? Paint the name on? Or have stick-on letters made? I've never done this before. All my boats had painted on names, but maybe this has been overtaken by technology?

Eric M · 14-04-2010, 08:56

I had a set of stick on lettering made for the name on Serendipity at a local graphics and sign shop. Double layer with a shadow effect for <$100. 3 years later and it looks as good as the day it was new. Just one data point.
--Eric

**Dockhead** · 14-04-2010, 09:00

Cool; thanks. The sign painter guys are trying to persuade me that it is as good or better than paint. I don't know whether to believe them or not, but every data point is helpful.

motion30 · 14-04-2010, 09:01

Old school wooden boats , hand lettered newer style boats, stick on

**Dockhead** · 14-04-2010, 09:15

OK, that's two votes for stick-on.

Do all of you guys really have stick-on letters on your transoms?

**FrankZ** · 14-04-2010, 09:18

I used stick on cause I am really bad at painting.

You do have to be careful with the stick on that it doesn't rub anything, it really doesn't seem to take much to get it fraying, and once it starts it won't get better.

Both need renewing from time to time. With painted on you can go back over, with stick on you have to remove and redo. When I changed the name on our current boat the real time was spent getting the old name off.

Bash · 14-04-2010, 09:18

you may not have a choice. stick-on lettering is becoming so prevalent that in some areas it's no longer possible to find someone who specializes in paint lettering for boats.

**Paul Elliott** · 14-04-2010, 09:21

The vinyl stick-on lettering on VALIS has held up well for over seven years. Surface prep (clean, smooth) before applying the letters has got to be important.

(Sailing home from Hawaii in 2008)

ka4wja · 14-04-2010, 09:43

Dockhead,
I vote for "painted" lettering......(but stick-ons do work)

Have a look at my boat.....I have the name "Annie Laurie" painted in red(Awl-Grip) with white highlighting.....and it looks great!!!!

But, my hailing port lettering is stick-on, since I may wish to change that....

I hope this helps....

John

Solitude · 14-04-2010, 09:51

Vinyl lettering (stick on is the way to go).

I would say most boats use this. It is simple to install or you could call a company to do it. You can even go online and find sites that will mock it up for you.

I would suggest that you cut letters out of paper first to get your sizing right.

Jetexas · 14-04-2010, 09:57

You could have a sign company make one large decal with clear vinyl/plastic between the lettering, so you don't have to place individual letters. Then, if you're worried about the durability of the decal, just go over it with a clear coat to seal and protect it.

**Pete7** · 14-04-2010, 10:05

DH, the colour has just started to disappear from our stick on letters but they must be 20 years old now.

This website should keep you entertained for a few hours designing your new letters.

We used them for a previous boat (rib), they delivered quickly and they stuck well to the tubes even in the spray and waves etc.

Funky Monkey Boat Names - DIY Vinyl Lettering

Pete

**sarafina** · 14-04-2010, 10:11

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jetexas

You could have a sign company make one large decal with clear vinyl/plastic between the lettering, so you don't have to place individual letters. Then, if you're worried about the durability of the decal, just go over it with a clear coat to seal and protect it.

Don't need to worry about positioning the letters. They come from the shop on a background all positioned already, just lay it down and peel off the backing.