Decal removal

[Scott]

I have a 2008 AR230 and am about to remove all of the decals. What is the easiest way to do this. Any suggestions on tools, chemicals, ect?

TIA
Scott

 

[haknslash]

Heat gun or blow dryer should help. Just know that you may have "ghosting" from where the graphics were on an older boat.

 

[Beachbummer]

I don't know about easiest, took me a long time. A plastic spatula and a heat gun helped me tremendously. Eraser wheel helped too. Chemicals not as much in my situation.

 

[Frank Marshall]

I removed most of the decals from my FSH. Just used a razor blade to lift an edge, then peel. Any adhesive left behind, I cleaned off with lighter fluid.

 

[the MfM]

Heat gun, or sunny day. Razor blade to peel up the corner. Goof off to clean up the residue. 3m marine restorer to minimize the ghosting.

Worked for me anyways.

 

[Wisefam22]

Took the decals off my 06 this winter. Used hair dryer and plastic putty knife to lift edge would wrap 4 fingers and then move to keep pulling. It takes time.

 

[Matt Phillips]

As others have said, usually a hair dryer to warm it up and the pull as it comes off. Goo gone for any left over residue.

 

[Jgorm]

I used a razor blade and my fingers, but I've done lots of work like this with a razor. I removed everything in my 2004 ar230

 

[ross l]

I have used a power washer to quickly remove decals.

 

[UpNorth]

Try this

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Rubber-Eraser-Adapter-1-Pack/dp/B018WG2XYE

 

[Scott]

Try this

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Rubber-Eraser-Adapter-1-Pack/dp/B018WG2XYE

I just ordered this. Thank You

 

[zipper]

I used a heat gun to remove the graphics on a 40° day. They come right off easily. Trick is to not let it get too hot or they shrivel up and break off in pieces. With the right heat you can pull them off in mostly one piece. Practice. Mine were dinged up from previous owner and the orange gelcoat on my 07 was oxidized. To bring back the shine I wet sanded the hull with 1000 and 2000 grit 3m wet/dry sandpaper and then buffed, polished and waxed, using these products, I really liked the Heavy cut oxidation remover. Good Luck. It made a big difference. It was like having a new boat.

Before





After


You can see the reflection of everything on the arena floor.

 

[Billtex2000]

 

[thosjflynn]

I'm adding onto this post as it is related - storing out boat in a lift at a rental resulted in two large decals on our 2018 AR240 being damaged at the bottom. I'm not sure if I'll remove or try to taper the damage out. I'm not sure its enough for an insurance claim, but then noticed that one side had visible spidering of the gel coat that went up into the decal about 5 inches. See attached - gel coat cracking starts to left of black decal.

No estimate yet - figured someone must have dealt with it on the forum!
Thanks

 

[BrentEB]

91% Isopropyl alcohol on a rag works well. May have to scrape sticky gelly with a razor if it's really heavy.

 

[thosjflynn]

91% Isopropyl alcohol on a rag works well. May have to scrape sticky gelly with a razor if it's really heavy.

Thanks BrentEB

 

[zipper]

Wow, that is quite a scratch. I can't tell from the picture if that is adhesive I see or a gelcoat scratch. The graphics peel off with a little heat. I used a heat gun for my older graphics on a 45° day. I use this to remove adhesive. It works really well. I now keep a can on hand for whatever stickey mess presents itself.



WHOOPS, wrong can.



Just spray and wipe away 10 year old adhesive.