Name change - Vinyl lettering adhesive removal

[Checkswrecks]

Completely agree with the value of WD40 for this but will add that it has the same issue as silicone lube. It gets in the microscratches and surface imperfections and can keep new stickers from adhering.


After WD40, I've found it helps to clean REALLY well with successive washes of mineral spirits (gasoline also works) and then laundry detergent a couple of times, drying between each, then polish after those.

[svHyLyte]

Originally Posted by Checkswrecks

...

After WD40, I've found it helps to clean REALLY well with successive washes of mineral spirits (gasoline also works) and then laundry detergent a couple of times, drying between each, then polish after those.

For What It's Worth we found that a good scrub with hot water and Dawn dish soap/detergent did the best job of cleaning up the WD40 residue. Dawn seems to be really effective on any oily residue/deposits (and, you can clean Ducks, sea birds and kid's "tar balled" feet with the stuff when needed!)

[Dooglas]

Originally Posted by Garymadhatter

Goo Gone has always worked for me. Try it first.

Agree. I've had good luck with Goo Gone and with WD-40. My advice is to avoid stronger solvents such as Goof Off, acetone, or MEK on polyester gelcoat. And yes, you should carefully clean off the WD-40 or Goo Gone residue before applying new vinyl lettering/graphics.

[GASF]

After you change the name of your vessel, i hope you have a have a little ceremony, pour some champagne over the bow, giving King Neptune his due.

[Mouetterieuse]

Try gazoline, or solvent made of fuel (in French «*essence F*»). If thick, after having applied the gazoline, scrap with something with a plastic edge, like your Visa card.

[TCM1968]

We just went through this process this past weekend ourselves. We tried Minerl spirits, goo gone pro, acetone, WD-40, none of which even began to work. MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone) is the only solvent that we could get to work.

[Pottasch]

Color and age of the vinyl makes a big difference but use the Heat gun at about 80degs for the vinyl then 3m general purpose adhesive remover with a straight edge for the goo is the fastest/ least abusive to the gel coat/ paint. Depending on the age of the glue it may require more force.