RE: Removing the Name
Eric Johnson (ej@tx3.com)
Fri, 13 Nov 1998 09:12:43 -0800
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West Wight Potter Website at URL
http://www.lesbois.com/wwpotter/
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> I'm fresh out of ideas, about to seek the comfort of the
> crying chair. I need help, the local resources just aren't
> that abundant.
>
> I want to remove the old name and put the new name on. You'd
> think that wouldn't be so hard...right?
>
> I've tried Easy Off (oven cleaner), rubber wheel in a hand
> drill, heat, cold, scrub pads, enamel thinner, looked at but
> didn't use my hacksaw, and am currently looking at and
> seriously considering using sandpaper. The ONLY thing that
> worked was to scrape with a knife, but I'm worried about the
> gel coat. So, in essence, I have TWO questions that I NEED an
> answer to. Please, before I turn into a blubbering idiot....
>
> It appears that this name is painted on. It's definitely not
> vinyl or some such pressed on material.
>
> 1) What can I use next?
I'd try a chemical stripper gel. Mask the surrounding area well and
carefully wipe off any that spills anywhere else. I think you'll be
surprised how easy it scrubs off once the gel has had a little time to
attack it. You might want to find something that specifically says its safe
for fiberglass.
> 2) If I MUST scrape it off, as is starting to appear inevitable,
> how can/should I restore the gel coat in that area?
I've had great success wetsanding with 600 grit wet/dry paper followed by
west marine boat polish. Good as new. Plus, if you put the new name over the
old one, that will help. The 600 grit is also good at rubbing off some of
the oxidation you're bound to have - you'll probably end up with a 'ghost'
of the old name since once the paint is removed it will likely be a slightly
different color (brighter white on a white hull) where the old letters were.
Don't forget to appease the gods by going through the boat denaming ceremony
at http://www.48north.com