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Old 23-10-2018, 08:04   #1
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Boat Graphics

I have no idea what to even search for! I want someone or some company to:

remove old boat name graphics from the boat
print new ones with our new boat name
install new ones on the boat

We're talking vinyl lettering that sticks on, right? I guess a custom paint job is also an option.

This would be in the Jacksonville, Florida area in the next week or so.

Any got advice? I mean, even a search phrase would be helpful. For what it's worth, here is the last thing I tried in Google: "(install OR apply) boat graphics jacksonville"
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Old 23-10-2018, 08:24   #2
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Re: Boat Graphics

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Originally Posted by Caribbeachbum View Post
I have no idea what to even search for! I want someone or some company to:

remove old boat name graphics from the boat
print new ones with our new boat name
install new ones on the boat

We're talking vinyl lettering that sticks on, right? I guess a custom paint job is also an option.

This would be in the Jacksonville, Florida area in the next week or so.

Any got advice? I mean, even a search phrase would be helpful. For what it's worth, here is the last thing I tried in Google: "(install OR apply) boat graphics jacksonville"
Lol. It's one of the ways the old Yellow Pages was more efficient than the internet ... when you didn't know the words to search for. In your case, you already knew "vinyl lettering." You could even stick "marine" in front of it for more focus.

I am not sure how may will peel the old lettering off though. And you should give it a good buff before you apply the new ones.

https://www.google.ca/search?q=vinyl...hrome&ie=UTF-8
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Old 23-10-2018, 08:28   #3
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Re: Boat Graphics

My father did this work for a long time (not in your area though, NJ) as a sign maker. I assume any small shop that makes signs would be worth a shot. Might be an interesting job for them!

He used to go onsite often to letter windows, vans, etc.. I don't believe he's ever done a boat, but he has lettered shipping containers! Big job there.

But yes, vinyl is what is used. They have a cutter for it, so you can pretty much get whatever style you want, logos, etc..!

Not a hard project to apply yourself, but you'll need:

- Heat gun to remove
- Straight-edge razor to remove
- Soap water in a spray bottle to apply
- Some kind of squeegee to apply
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Old 23-10-2018, 08:51   #4
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Re: Boat Graphics

Just google "Boat lettering name" and there are several companies that will ship semi-custom lettering to you very inexpensively. Remove the existing lettering, and the new lettering will come "set" behind a clear plastic film. Line it up on your hull, and peel off the plastic sheet. The characters are pre-spaced on the removable plastic sheet used to apply. I did it last month, and a monkey could probably manage it. Not hard at all.
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Old 23-10-2018, 09:06   #5
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Re: Boat Graphics

Remove the old graphics with a 3M Stripe-Off Wheel. Get the kind with the mandrel so it will fit in the chuck of a drill. Combine this with a heat gun or even a hair dryer, and you should be able to remove the graphics yourself. I've removed several and never used a heat gun. Multiple times I've been able to do it with a razor blade and some patience.

BoatUS makes custom vinyl graphics for boat names. Installation very easy. We've installed several over the years, both on our boats and friends. The installation takes two people.
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Old 23-10-2018, 09:08   #6
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Re: Boat Graphics

Heat gun + razor was what we used on cars/vans to not damage the finish. I suppose the wheel would work great if you're not worried about taking just a bit of the gel coat with it (not usually a problem?)
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Old 23-10-2018, 09:17   #7
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Re: Boat Graphics

Anybody in the sign-making business will be able to help you make vinyl lettering that will last years.

And for removal, you can do it yourself with one of these really easily. Better than scrapping--and scratching--the gelcoat.
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Old 23-10-2018, 09:57   #8
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Re: Boat Graphics

There are any number of places that can print the vinyl for you, but not all of them will be willing to provide the installation labor. Google "vinyl car wrap jacksonville." The vinyl is the same and the car guys usually provide labor, are used to removal/replacement, and are also used to delicate surfaces and compound curves.
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Old 23-10-2018, 10:33   #9
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Re: Boat Graphics

We used Signs .com and had REALLY good experience. They were super helpful with logo design assistance and answer questions. We had some fairly customized illustration work to do and their art staff was prompt, accurate, and informative.

The decals shipped in a timely manner and the included tools and instructions were very easy to work with.

https://www.signs.com/boat-lettering-and-decals/

My only regret is that the old decals left shiny remnants of the old name. I guess 7 years protected from the environment will do that.
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Old 23-10-2018, 10:50   #10
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Re: Boat Graphics

We made up our own graphics and had a plastics shop make the vinyl.
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Old 24-10-2018, 16:08   #11
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Re: Boat Graphics

Heat gun can be replicated with a simple hair drier. All you are trying to do here is soften the glue of the current graphics.

Once they are off you need to compound the hull because typically there is fading and oxidization where the old letters were not and you need to ascertain if you have a homogenous surface for your new graphics.

If there is no ghosting of the old graphics after compounding, the new graphics will look great. If there IS ghosting, consider a cover-up background on which to mount the new letters.

As for the name itself, West Marine does this but are a bit more expensive than local guys.
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Old 24-10-2018, 19:07   #12
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Re: Boat Graphics

We’ve used this company twice. They are based in Florida. Service is excellent. Doing it yourself is easy, and definitely more satisfying.

https://doityourselflettering.com/
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Old 25-10-2018, 20:12   #13
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Re: Boat Graphics

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Originally Posted by Scatterling View Post
We’ve used this company twice. They are based in Florida. Service is excellent. Doing it yourself is easy, and definitely more satisfying.

https://doityourselflettering.com/


+1! [emoji106]
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Old 25-10-2018, 20:57   #14
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Re: Boat Graphics

+4 for just heat, heat gun or hair dryer. I wouldn't trust myself not to scratch the surface with a razor. Must have done it 50 times on cars, once on my boat with 16 year old letters. Get it good and warm in sections about 100mm square, too hot to keep your hand on, and it will come off easily,. Rub the edge with your finger to get it started, then peal.

As above for sign writers or wrap.
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Old 26-10-2018, 04:17   #15
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Re: Boat Graphics

If you can't get to it, or do it: https://www.signsnow.com/jacksonvill.../boat-graphics

My google foo is strong...disclaimer: I don't know a thing about this company.
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