How do I remove old graphics from my boat?

You just bought a new-to-you boat! Congrats! Now, it's time to get that old name off so you can rename your boat.
*For more information on boat renaming ceremonies, please see our instruction sheet.

How do I get started?

The first thing to note is whether your letters/graphics are painted on or are vinyl decals. If your graphics are painted, paint remover and a wet sand/buff may be required. We recommend conferring with a boat detailer or a boat yard to make sure that you know exactly what needs to be done for your boat and hull type specifically. 

If your graphics are vinyl decals, try to remove a letter by picking at the corner/edge. If the graphic begins to raise off easily, the removal should be fairly easy. If the graphic is stubborn or pulls off in flakes/pieces, you may want to confer with a boat detailer and hire them to do the removal. There is often hull discoloration and raised fiberglass under old graphics, so a wet sand and buff may additionally be necessary. 

I want to complete the removal myself. What materials/solvents do I need?

We recommend a few products, but the most important are a good adhesive remover, a razor blade or vinyl chipper, and a heat gun (a hair dryer will work just fine).

• Adhesive Remover – While we usually recommend 3m Adhesive Remover, but Goof off, Goo Gone, or a similar product will work just fine.
• Razor Blade or Vinyl Chipper – Lil Chilzer and Safe Scrape offer great products to assist in scraping off old vinyl without risking scratching your hull as you may with a conventional razor.
• Heat Gun – Any targeted heat source will help with removal. At Prism, we use torch guns, but standard heat gun or hair dryer will achieve similar results.

Now that I have all my supplies, how do I remove the graphics?

Decent weather is a key factor in an effective and easy removal. If it is cold outside, it will make any vinyl graphics removal far more difficult. We recommend working on a day over 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

1. Using a hair dryer or a heat gun, heat the vinyl until it becomes soft and pliable.
2. Using a vinyl chipper/scraper or your finger, lift a corner of the vinyl and pull up while maintaining heat on that area.
3. Repeat step 2 until all of the vinyl has been removed from the area.
4. Use a solvent to remove any remaining adhesive. If you do not have adhesive remover, acetone works well for this, but only if you are familiar with it and feel comfortable using it.

*The graphic will be destroyed in the removal process and cannot be re-used.

I can still see a "shadow" from the old name. Now what?

If the graphics haven't been on the boat for very long, sun exposure will decrease the "shadowing" that you see. However, if the graphics have been on the boat for ~5+ years (and/or have extreme sun exposure), the petroleum from the vinyl's adhesive and the petroleum from the gel coat can fuse together, swelling the gel coat in the areas under the graphics. The best way to decrease/potentially eliminate the raised gel coat is to wet sand and buff the area to give a flatter surface. If this is not a process you feel comfortable completing yourself, we can recommend a boat detailer to you.

Am I all done?

Yup! Now you can go ahead and wipe the surface down with denatured alcohol to prep it for application.

What are dimensional letters and why should I use them?

If you’re looking for a creative way to advertise your company or set your boat apart, dimensional letters could be a smart decision. Beautiful, sleek, and attractive, dimensional letters work well for virtually all companies and boats offering a nice alternative to a traditional sign or lettering.

What are the benefits to dimensional letters?

Dimensional letters offer many benefits. Here are some of the most obvious:

• High Visibility. Dimensional letters are stark, clear and easy to read. They’re also highly visible, which is ideal for grabbing the attention of people who drive, walk or bike by.

• Durability. Dimensional letters are durable, and materials like cut and cast metals won’t crack, chip, break, or fade over time. This makes them a low-maintenance option for companies and individuals who want to install a sign and not worry about it again.

• Dimensional Letters Look Professional. If you’re looking to put your company’s best face forward, dimensional letters are a great place to start.

Why use dimensional letters for a business?

Commonly called 3D or raised letters, dimensional letters offer a distinguished look to lobby signs, conference rooms, and different departments. Outside of your venue, they help you stand out. Let’s explore how these markers are used more closely.

Exterior dimensional letters can benefit establishments, organizations, and companies in any industry. These markers are typically installed directly to the façade of buildings that are looking for a sophisticated appearance. They can also be incorporated into a monument sign or mounted on a panel that is then installed on your property. Though these letters do not typically have their own illumination source, you can use spotlighting to make your letters visible at night.

You cannot help but notice the classy dimensional letter signs found in the reception areas. Many companies are using these markers to introduce clients and guests to their branding as soon as they enter the door. We have the equipment needed to precisely match the colors and typefaces you use on your marketing materials in order to keep your branding consistent. We can also mount your letters with spacers for an extra-dimensional effect.

When people hear “dimensional letters,” they often think that these signs only consist of letters. Nothing could be further from the truth. “Dimensional letter” is a blanket term that covers numbers and logos as well. And, many organizations benefit from adding logo wall signs to their interior décor. You will often see these markers in conference rooms and common areas, such as cafeterias.

What materials are available?

Dimensional letters can stand up against harsh weather and are sturdy enough to last for years. Some of the materials we use for making dimensional letters include:

• Aluminum – Versatile, affordable, and durable aluminum is used in most metal signs. Aluminum can be painted any color you want, including custom colors that match your branding.
• Acrylic, PVC, or Plastic – These outdoor-rated signage materials will give your venue a playful vibe. Consider flat-cut letters for a stylish display option.
• High-Density Urethane (HDU) – Since it is good for the environment and multi-faceted, HDU is a favorite material in the signage industry. It can achieve a thickness of up to three inches, and we are able to apply acrylic or metal laminates to HDU.
• Stainless Steel – Stainless steel is the ideal choice for appliance showrooms, high-tech businesses, and high-end apartment complexes due to its heavy duty, avant-garde, no-nonsense, chic look.

Do you have any examples of dimensional lettering you've done?

Absolutely! Check out the gallery below to get some ideas.