Removing old vinyl. Letters

[garyfdl]

As a follow up:

As mentioned, the letters numbers came off with the heat gun but there was glue residue left behind. Paper towels, elbow grease and a product called "Goo Gone" took care of that.

[Dieseldude]

Originally Posted by Sunsetrider

Heat gun. Failing having a heat gun - hair dryer. Don't bother with the other goo, not needed except maybe to remove leftover adhesive.

I think that the hair drier would be safer, it should not burn the paint. Heat guns can burn things, but hair driers are more gentle. Heating, and gentle scraping should do the job.

[piloto]

MEK: methyl ethyl ketone will easily remove the remaining goo, on clean rag, lightly applied

[Dieseldude]

Originally Posted by piloto

MEK: methyl ethyl ketone will easily remove the remaining goo, on clean rag, lightly applied

Methyl ethyl keytone is quite a toxic material. I would not use it except for a last resort, and under well ventilate conditions. Gloves that it will not dissolve should be used. A citrus based cleaner or WD40 might work. MEK should definitely not be stored aboard. Vapors from a spill in a confined space are too much of a hazard.

[scottmc59]

Debond. I've removed very old letters. It works well.

[Rasselas36]

I just did this and it turned out fine. Get some 2000 grit sand paper from HD or Lowe’s and wet sand the area gently until you get the desired results you want. It not going to be fast but it is worth the effort when you stand back and see your new name displayed.

[Dieseldude]

Originally Posted by Rasselas36

I just did this and it turned out fine. Get some 2000 grit sand paper from HD or Lowe’s and wet sand the area gently until you get the desired results you want. It not going to be fast but it is worth the effort when you stand back and see your new name displayed.

Sanding with a fine grit like 2000 should give good results. May need to start with a courser grad such as 600 and work your way up to 2000. Wet sand paper would be essential, as dry paper would load up quickly. Of course the old adhesive must be removed first, otherwise the sandpaper will load up with goo. The area sanded will have a different luster than surrounding hull, but how fussy does one need to be? The paint that had been under the letters will be less faded than exposed paint, so the area will never look original anyway.