Paint vs decal

[TBird]

Now that I've acquired my 340 Sundancer, I'm going to begin an endless stream of noobie dumb questions (my apologies in advance).

My first stupid question is: do people generaly use decals or paint for applying their boat names? For some reason I assumed everybody applied decals, but somebody suggested that paint is about the same price, wears better, and can be removed if necessary. Comments?

 

[wileecoyote]

Now that I've acquired my 340 Sundancer, I'm going to begin an endless stream of noobie dumb questions (my apologies in advance).

My first stupid question is: do people generaly use decals or paint for applying their boat names? For some reason I assumed everybody applied decals, but somebody suggested that paint is about the same price, wears better, and can be removed if necessary. Comments?

I'm not sure I agree that removing paint is easier than decal. I know a friend who tried and the gelcoat was stained so bad he might as well have left it there.

 

[fwebster]

Every method for vessel names and hailing port has advantages........

Custom made vinyl........ inexpensive, easy to apply, limits you to esisting font/design in the sign makers system, has a limited life in sunny hot enviornments, easy to damage and easy to remove.

Paint.......more expensive, design is only limited by the ingenuity and skill of the sign painter, best when done by a professional, harder to remove, but is more permanent since a painted transom can be touched up for a few $

Gold leaf.......you didn't mention it but I thought I'd make the list complete....... Very expensive, takes not only a professional sign painter, but a pro who knows how to do gold leaf, very durable and will not fade unless it is not top coated with clear regularly, difficult to remove. There is absolutely nothing that looks any classier or better on a transom than gold leaf lettering.

 

[NautyDog]

I know paint was very popular back when boats were wood.

Today, I think I see mostly vinyl stickers (but I don't have facts to support this).

I have taken off stickers after 10 years and was able to buff out any glue. When stickers are only a few years old, they are still easy to remove.

I would highly recommend vinyl stickers.

 

[David Morgan]

The fonts available for vinyl lettering is virtually unlimited. Try finding an artist who can paint thousands of different fonts and as precisely as a computer cuts vinyl.

I have had vinyl lettering stick for over 15 years. That's durable enough for me. You have to get the vinyl intended for long term outdoor use.

Another nice thing about vinyl lettering is you can do it yourself and it is relatively easy. All it takes is some patience, a relatively windless day, soapy water, tape, a tape measure and a credit card....the credit card to buy both the lettering and then to apply the lettering. Actually use your library card, you wont feel so bad if you drop it in the water. The fish can use it for their school. Ouch...did I say that?

 

[Bob M]

Funny you should ask... I'm currently waiting to have the painted name taken off my recent purchase, and my new name put on with a decal. I was told paint comes off hard and you must be careful not to damage the gelcoat. In the old days, my paint guy use to use Easy-Off Oven Cleaner. I watched him and it worked. Now my new lettering guy tells me that stuff could stain the gelcoat and turn it a bit yellow. To make a long story short, Interlux makes a fiberglass paint remover. I guess you brush it on, let it sit a bit, then use a plastic scaper to gently remove the painted name. It may take a couple of applications, but allegedly it works and won't harm the gelcoat.

I decided to go with vinyl decals for the first time in my boating history (since 1968). I was quoted a price of $225 for the decal and installation. I thought that was quite reasonable. The best part is if I tire of a certain look, I can have a new decal put on at a later time. The sign company guy faxed me a couple examples and one caught our eye immediately, so we okayed it. All we need to do is get the painted name off first. Hopefully, my marina guy will get that done soon. We would like to have the new name on before we get our documentation papers.