Mastering Boat Sticker Application: A Step-By-Step Guide

There are several methods to apply stickers to your boat, including the wet and dry hinge methods. Before you start, ensure the surface is clean and free of any polish residue. The temperature of the surface and the air should be no colder than 5°C, and you should avoid applying stickers to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight. When positioning your sticker, use masking tape to tape the graphic in place, then stand back to check you're happy with its positioning. If you're using the wet method, you'll need a spray bottle filled with water and two pieces of lint-free cloth. If you're using the dry method, you'll need a flexible plastic squeegee, which is usually included with the decal.

Clean the surface of the boat

To ensure your stickers adhere properly to the surface of your boat, it is important to start with a clean surface. Here is a step-by-step guide to cleaning the surface of your boat before applying stickers:

• Begin by giving your boat a good clean with a suitable cleaning agent. A common recommendation is to use methylated spirits, which will ensure that any polish residue is removed. Isopropyl alcohol is another recommended cleaner, as it can break down adhesives and is safe for use on boats.
• If your boat has any old stickers or decals, these will need to be removed. There are several methods you can use:

• Eraser Wheel: Attach an eraser wheel to a drill and gently rub it against the sticker or decal. This method is popular among boat owners as it doesn't require much pressure, friction, heat, or harsh chemicals.
• Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Use a heat source to soften the sticker or decal, then scrape it off with a plastic scraper tool or a razor blade. Be cautious, as too much heat can damage the finish of your boat.
• Hot Water Pressure Washer: Boil water and use a pressure washer to spray the stickers or decals until they soften and peel. Be sure to test on an inconspicuous area first to ensure the hot water and pressure do not damage the finish.

• Once the old stickers or decals are removed, you will likely have some residual adhesive to deal with. You can use a glue remover solution or adhesive remover, such as Goo Gone, on a rag to wipe away the residue. Test on a small area first to ensure it doesn't damage the surface.
• For stubborn glue residue, you can try using acetone-based nail polish remover or 90% rubbing alcohol. Apply a small amount to a microfiber cloth and wipe down the area. Be cautious with acetone, as it can dull glossy surfaces and remove paint.
• If you are dealing with sticky residue, you can use olive oil, canola oil, or vegetable oil. Rub the oil onto the residue with a clean cloth, then use the dull edge of a knife to scrape it away.
• Finally, ensure the surface is completely dry before applying your new stickers. Do not apply graphics to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight.

By following these steps, you will have a clean and prepared surface that is ready for the proper application of your new stickers or decals.

Position the sticker

Positioning your sticker is a crucial step in ensuring a straight and perfect application. Before removing the backing paper, tape the sticker in place using masking tape. Stand back to see if you're happy with the positioning. If you're applying a large graphic, consider using the hinge method. Remember, always measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic, not the backing paper.

To ensure the sticker is straight, use a tape measure or yardstick to find the vertical centre of the area where you want to apply the sticker. Mark this spot with a grease pencil above the application area. Lightly fold the sticker in half lengthwise, and align the crease with the mark on the hull. Roughly position the sticker with small pieces of masking tape.

Align the top of the sticker (not the paper) with a horizontal reference line, such as the rub rail underside. This will create consistent spacing between the reference line and the top of the sticker from front to back. Once you're happy with the positioning, run a long piece of masking tape across the top edge of the sticker's paper carrier and remove any small pieces of tape. This serves as a temporary "hinge" and can be left in place until you're ready to remove the transfer paper.

If your sticker has individual letters or elements, use scissors to cut between them to make the process more manageable. Alternatively, you can leave the sticker intact. In either case, peel away the backing paper from the top, allowing the sticker to lightly adhere as you pull down. If the sticker wrinkles, quickly pull it away and smoothly put it back down.

Remove the backing paper

Removing the backing paper is a crucial step in the process of applying stickers or decals to your boat. Here's a detailed guide to help you execute this step effectively:

Before removing the backing paper, it's important to prepare your workspace and ensure your boat's surface is ready for decal application. Clean the area where you plan to place your stickers with a suitable solvent, such as methylated spirits, denatured alcohol, or acetone. This step ensures that any polish residue, wax, grease, or oil is removed, providing a clean surface for the stickers to adhere to.

Next, you'll want to position your stickers or decals on the boat's surface. Tape the graphic in place using masking tape. This will help you visualize the placement and ensure you're happy with the positioning before committing to it. It's important to note that you should measure and place the stickers based on the graphic itself rather than the backing paper. This ensures that your stickers are straight and accurately positioned.

Now, let's focus on removing the backing paper. If your graphic is small, you can remove the entire piece of backing paper at once. However, for larger graphics, you may need to cut the backing paper into more manageable sections. Carefully peel away the backing paper, starting from the top or the side closest to the masking tape. As you pull down on the backing, allow the decal to adhere gently to the boat's surface. If your graphic has individual letters or elements, you can use scissors to cut between them to make this process more manageable.

In case you encounter any wrinkles or air bubbles during the process, don't worry. Simply lift the decal back off using a quick snapping motion and smooth it back down. You can use a flexible plastic squeegee to press out any air bubbles, working firmly from the center outward. This ensures a smooth and secure application.

Once you've removed the backing paper for a section of the decal, you can proceed to the next step, which is removing the application tape. However, remember to work in small sections to ensure accurate placement and avoid any mishaps.

Apply the sticker

Before you begin, ensure you are working in a clean environment and out of the wind. Give the boat a good clean with methylated spirits and make sure there is no polish residue remaining.

Now, you can tape the sticker in place using masking tape. Stand back and check if you are happy with the positioning. If the sticker is large, you might want to consider using the hinge method. Remember to skip the soapy water. Ensure you measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic, rather than the backing paper. This will ensure it is straight and perfect.

If your sticker is small, you can remove the entire piece of backing paper. It can be helpful to split the masking tape you used to position the sticker along the edge of the application tape. This way, you will have a guide for placement by aligning the masking tape that's on the application tape with the masking tape that's left on the hull.

After removing the backing paper, hold the sticker with your fingers spread out so it is taut and flat. Use your little finger as a guide to hold the sticker just off the surface of the boat. If it touches the surface, you can lift it back off using a quick snapping motion rather than a slow peel.

Once your sticker is in position, let it touch the hull and lightly tap it in place in a few different spots around the edges. Now, squeegee a line vertically down the centre as a starting point. Lift up the right side of the sticker with a quick snapping motion. Using an overlapping pattern, squeegee in an up-and-down motion, working your way from the centre down to the end. Make sure each stroke partially covers the last. Repeat on the left side of the sticker.

If you are applying a dry sticker, you can now remove the application tape. Spray the front generously with water and rub it in. When the paper turns translucent, peel the tape off at a sharp angle against itself – keep an eye on the sticker to make sure nothing is lifting off. If it does, stop pulling back the application tape and firmly press the sticker back down before continuing.

Remove any air bubbles

Bubbles can be a common issue when applying stickers to a boat. Luckily, there are several ways to remove them without having to remove the sticker itself.

Firstly, it is important to note that prevention is the best cure. Air bubbles on stickers usually form due to dirty surfaces or incorrect application of the sticker. Ensuring the surface is spotless and free of sticker residue before applying your sticker can help to avoid this issue. Wash the area with soap and water or a mixture of rubbing alcohol and water. Then, wipe it down with a soft cloth.

If you do end up with bubbles, there are several methods you can use to remove them. For small bubbles, you can simply press down on them with your thumb for a few seconds until the air dissipates. For bubbles near the edge of the sticker, you can use a squeegee or a credit card to gently push the bubble towards the edge, being careful not to scratch the surface.

For more stubborn bubbles, you can try using heat. Hold a hair dryer or air dryer on a low setting about 3-4 inches away from the bubble for a few seconds at a time. The heat will cause the air inside the bubble to expand and exit out the sides. Alternatively, you can try lifting the corner of the sticker closest to the bubble and peeling it away from the surface until you reach the crease. Then, smooth the sticker with your hand and press it back into place.

If all else fails, you can try puncturing the bubble. Use a sharp object such as a razor blade, straight pin, or box cutter to create a tiny hole in the bubble. Then, use your finger, a squeegee, or the edge of a credit card to push the air out of the hole and smooth out the sticker.

By following these steps, you can effectively remove any air bubbles that may form when applying stickers to your boat, ensuring a smooth and professional finish.

Frequently asked questions