New vinyl graphic installation help

[Big Jay]

I have to install a new bootstripe and decals to our 30' Albemarle.

I am confused on the process.

Obviously first step is to scrape the old off after measuring where it should be, fine.

I am confused on prepping the surface. I am reading to take the old adhesive off with Goof Off, then clean with rubbing alcohol.

Should i at that point compound the hull before re-aaplying?? Or do i just go straight to applying the decal.

I am aware of the wet release method for applying, just need to know the answer to the above bold question.

[clt_capt]

If you are planning to compound the hull anyway, I would do it before you re-apply the new bootstripe.

Which compound are you planning on? The 3M Light has wax in it, so you would need to de-wax the bootstripe area.

For straight compound, do the whole boat once you have removed the old stripe, apply the new stripe, wax the whole boat...

[Big Jay]

Now that you mention it i will just wait till after then. If it has wax in it i am screwed and that stripe is going to come off.

Probably better to be safe than sorry i guess?

[Fast Forward]

When you go to apply the new stuff, spray plenty of water on the surface and then press the water and air out with something like a putty spreader. If you don't spray something down, when that decal goes on it won't come off for corrections.

[CSS]

big jay, where did you get your bootstripe, i havent been able to find any place with a variety of colors or combination of colors in one tape, dont want to go the paint route, thought about asking local business that make signs for vehicles not sure if adhesive would be the same . thanks for any info. CSS

[Big Jay]

big jay, where did you get your bootstripe, i havent been able to find any place with a variety of colors or combination of colors in one tape, dont want to go the paint route, thought about asking local business that make signs for vehicles not sure if adhesive would be the same . thanks for any info. CSS

I called Albemarle direct. Probably more expensive than other routes but it was the only way i would get a factory look stripe. I am also replacing the logos.

I would be cautious of the paint route. I've seen a few boats in the yard with painted boot stripes that look pretty bad. When searching how to do it i came across a few places online. Right through google. Give it a shot.

Try the factory first.

[ElMar2530]

I just did mine and this is what I did.

1. Peel off old decal.
2. 3M brown compound on wool pad until the ghosting went away.
3. Wipe down with acetone.
4. Apply decal with tape hinge method, I chose not to use water and broke up the decal into smaller parts.
5. Final step wax over the entire area.

Hope that helps.