Registration No. Removal?

Freediver · 03 February 2016, 15:58

Hello, I have an FC series Zodiac that came with its' registration no.'s. As far as can see the numbers are a poly sticker but since they are older, have become brittle. I tried removing them by hand but they are just coming apart leaving behind the glue. What, in your opinion, would be best for removal? I have thought of solvents ( MEK/Toluene) or a heat gun ( low heat setting ) boat is Hypalon. Thanks for any info.
FD

jyasaki · 03 February 2016, 16:04

Heat gun, and/or acetone and a bit of scrubbing (Scotchbrite pads are ideal, but don't get too aggressive.) MEK will work quite well, but IMO softens the material too much (great for gluing though.) You may need to try different solvents to see what works on the adhesive that is there.

jky

Freediver · 03 February 2016, 16:28

Thanks for the info, will try.

office888 · 03 February 2016, 16:58

Toluene will work best. It has a fairly slow evaporation.

Wipe with toluene, let it sit and attack for a few minutes, then wipe again...then maybe hit it with a plastic putty scraper?

replace with these:
http://boatnumberplate.com/

I got mine as black, with the reflective add-on...they glint like crazy when you shine a light indirectly at them!

Freediver · 03 February 2016, 23:40

Thanks for that office888. I'll check that out.
FD

SeanKent · 21 February 2016, 15:34

I fit vinyl for a living and always heat to remove, it may still come off in pieces though. I'd try panel wipe to remove the glue, its really mild, I've used it on many materials and have never damaged anything (best to test it somewhere first though)

SeanKent · 21 February 2016, 15:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by office888

Toluene will work best. It has a fairly slow evaporation.

Wipe with toluene, let it sit and attack for a few minutes, then wipe again...then maybe hit it with a plastic putty scraper?

replace with these:
http://boatnumberplate.com/

I got mine as black, with the reflective add-on...they glint like crazy when you shine a light indirectly at them!

don't ever have the reflective fitted directly to the boat though, YOU WILL REGRET IT when/if you need to remove, bloody stuff breaks up into three separate layers when its not even that old.

Tim M · 21 February 2016, 18:52

Be careful using acetone on a PVC boat as it will make the fabric go sticky as it softens the fabric. 3M do a great product called "adhesive remover" which is exactly for this - removing the glue/film left behind by vinyl stickers. It's much milder than acetone but very effective and doesn't damage the material the glue is on.