Adding Graphics To Your Boat: A Step-By-Step Guide

Putting graphics on a boat is a great way to personalise your vessel and make it stand out. Whether you're adding a boat name or a more complex design, it's important to follow the correct steps to ensure a professional finish. The process involves preparing the boat surface, positioning the graphic, applying it, and then removing any application tape and dealing with bubbles. It's also crucial to use the right tools and materials, such as vinyl graphics, transfer tape, and a flexible plastic squeegee.

Choosing the right vinyl

Type of Vinyl

It is important to choose a high-quality vinyl material designed specifically for boat graphics. Look for vinyl that is durable, flexible, and UV-protected to withstand the marine environment and ensure long-lasting performance. Oracle Orajet 3551 vinyl, for instance, is a popular choice known for its rugged durability and easy application.

Colour

The colour of your vinyl boat graphics is a matter of personal preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind. If you prefer a crisp and classic look, consider all-white seats, which won't fade in the sun and give your boat a luxurious appearance. However, keep in mind that white can also showcase mould and dirt, and stains and spills are more visible. If you want to incorporate darker colours, be mindful of your boating climate; black absorbs heat, so it might not be the best choice if you boat in hot weather. Instead, consider using dark colours as accents if your boating region is typically chilly.

Surface Preparation

Proper surface preparation is essential for successful vinyl graphic application. Ensure the surface of your boat is completely clean, smooth, and dry before applying the vinyl. Remove any dirt, grease, oil, or wax with the appropriate cleaning solutions, and always test cleaning solvents on an inconspicuous area first to avoid potential damage.

Application Process

Before applying the vinyl graphics, familiarise yourself with the process. It may be challenging for beginners, so consider seeking help from a local sign shop. The cost of a professional application might be well worth the hassle-free outcome. Additionally, ensure you don't apply the vinyl to extremely hot or cold surfaces, and always follow the manufacturer's instructions and precautions.

Surface preparation

Before applying your vinyl boat graphics, it is important to read the following precautions and instructions. Do not apply vinyl boat graphics to extremely hot or cold surfaces. The surface temperature should be at least 40°F, and no colder than 5°C. Avoid touching the sticky adhesive side of the graphics, and do not let this side get dirty.

The surface to which the vinyl boat graphics are applied must be completely clean, smooth, and dry. Remove all dirt and grime with a commercial detergent solution and water. If grease, oil, or wax are present, scrub the substrate with a solvent wipe (Xylene, heptane, ethyl acetate, or denatured alcohol). After thoroughly wiping with a cleaner, dry the surface completely using a clean, soft, lint-free cloth before the solvent evaporates.

As a precaution, prior to cleaning with solvents, test the cleaning solvent on an inconspicuous area of the application surface to check for potential damage from solvent usage. There must be no dirt, oil, grease, or solvent residue remaining on the substrate prior to decal application.

Make sure 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.

Additional Tips

• Avoid getting the backing paper wet.
• If the graphics are large and curled, lay them flat on a dry, smooth, and clean surface. Leave them for a few hours to completely flatten out if needed.
• Choose a calm, windless day with air temperatures above 65°F to apply the decal.

Positioning the graphic

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

Now, before removing the backing paper, tape the graphic in place using masking tape. Stand back and check you are happy with the positioning of the graphic. If the graphic is large, consider using the hinge method to apply the boat name, but remember to skip the soapy water. Ensure you measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic, not the backing paper, to ensure it is straight.

Now, align the top of the decal (not the paper) with a horizontal reference line, such as the rub rail underside. This will create a pleasing and consistent space between the reference line and the top of the graphic from front to back. Once you are happy with the positioning, run a long piece of masking tape across the top edge of the graphic's paper carrier and remove any small pieces of tape. This serves as a temporary "hinge" at the top of the decal.

If your graphic 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 graphic along the edge of the application tape. This way, you will have a guide for placement by aligning the masking tape on the application tape with the masking tape left on the hull.

Rough Positioning

By roughly positioning all sections of the graphic, you will be able to ensure you are starting in the correct location and at the right angle to accommodate all sections/colours of the vinyl boat graphic kit. With the paper backing still in place, apply the port or starboard section to the boat and hold it in position with a few pieces of masking tape. Use a grease pencil to make a line that starts on the graphic and continues onto the hull. Do this in 2 or 3 places on the graphic. Making these lines on the graphic and hull will enable you to remove and reposition the graphic in the exact same position.

With section 1 still in place, repeat this process with sections 2 and 3. Each section will have registration marks that look like plus signs. Use these to line up sections 2 and 3.

Final Positioning

Now, remove sections 1, 2 and 3 from the boat after marking all 3 sections and the hull with your grease pencil. Start with section 1. Lay it on a flat surface with the wax paper backing up. Starting at one corner, carefully and slowly peel the wax paper off at a 45-degree angle until it is completely removed from the graphic and discard. Do not get the wax paper wet—if it gets wet, it will be impossible to remove from the vinyl.

Thoroughly spray the boat surface with your soap and water solution in the area where section 1 is to be applied. You can spray the adhesive side of the boat graphic with the soap and water solution, but only after the wax paper has been removed. Saturate the boat with the soap and water solution where the graphic is to be applied.

Position section 1 with the transfer tape still in place on the boat. Slide the graphic into position and align it with the grease marks that you made in the previous steps. The soap and water solution that you sprayed will allow you to slide the graphic into place before the adhesive on the back side of the vinyl sticks to the boat.

After you have slid section 1 into position and lined it up with the grease pencil marks, start from the centre of section 1 and squeegee upwards. Now go back to the centre of the graphic and squeegee down to the bottom. Now go back to the centre of the graphic and continue this upward and downward squeegee motion as you work from the centre of the graphic to one side. Go back to the centre of the graphic and repeat this process as you work towards the opposite end of the graphic. Repeat this process across the entire section of the graphic until all of the soap and water solution has been squeegeed out from under the actual vinyl graphic and the transfer tape surrounding it. Always work from the centre towards the edges of the graphics to avoid trapping air or water bubbles.

Application

Before applying your graphics, ensure the surface and air temperature are no colder than 5°C. Do not apply graphics to a hot surface or a dark hull in direct sunlight. It is also important to note that the application process should not be carried out in extreme cold either, with a recommended minimum surface temperature of 40°F.

Firstly, clean the surface of the boat. Choose a calm, windless day to apply the decal. Wash the application surface with soap and water to remove any dirt, salt, or scum. Rinse the area with water and dry it with a clean towel to avoid water spots.

Next, you will need to prepare your graphic. If your graphic is large or curled, lay it flat on a dry, smooth, and clean surface. Leave it for a few hours to completely flatten out if necessary. Ensure your work environment is clean and protected from the wind.

Now, you can begin to position your graphic. Before removing the backing paper, tape the graphic in place using masking tape. Stand back and check if you are happy with the positioning. If the graphic is large, consider using the hinge method. Measure and place the boat stickers based on the graphic, rather than the backing paper, to ensure it is straight.

Once you are happy with the positioning, you can begin the application. If your graphic is small, you can remove the entire piece of backing paper. Hold the graphic with your fingers spread out so it is taut and flat. Use your little finger to guide the graphic just off the surface of the boat, being careful not to let the sticky side touch the boat. If it does, lift it back off with a quick snapping motion.

When the graphic is in position, let the print touch the hull and lightly tap it in place in several spots around the edges. Now, squeegee a line vertically down the center as a starting point. Lift one side of the graphic with a quick snapping motion. Using an overlapping pattern, squeegee in an up-and-down motion, working from the center outwards. Ensure each stroke partially covers the last. Repeat on the other side of the graphic.

Finally, remove the application tape. Spray the front generously with water and rub it into the tape. When the paper turns translucent, peel the tape off at a sharp angle, keeping an eye on the graphic to ensure it is not lifting off. If it does, stop pulling the tape and press the graphic back down.

Aftercare

Now that you've installed your boat graphics, you'll want to ensure they last as long as possible. Here are some tips to help you maintain your boat's new look:

• Avoid power-washing—when cleaning your boat, avoid using a high-pressure hose or power washer on the graphics.
• Use soft fibre cloths—when cleaning or drying your boat, use a soft fibre cloth instead of abrasive scrubbers to avoid damaging the graphics.
• Use the right cleaners—don't use corrosive or abrasive cleaners on your graphics. Opt for marine-grade and boat-ready cleaners to ensure your hull looks its best.
• Apply graphics wax—regularly wax your boat using a product like Graphix Wax, which has UV protectant properties to prevent fading.
• Position graphics above the waterline—ensure your boat stickers are placed above the waterline. This will prevent them from degrading over time due to constant exposure to water.
• Avoid extreme temperatures—when applying boat graphics, avoid doing so in extremely hot or cold conditions. The ideal surface temperature for application is between 5°C and 40°F.
• Avoid touching the adhesive—during the application process, avoid touching the sticky adhesive side of the graphics, and ensure it doesn't get dirty.
• Clean your boat regularly—keep your boat clean and free of dirt, grime, and grease. Use a commercial detergent solution and water, or a solvent wipe for tougher substances like grease or wax.
• Be careful when removing old graphics—if you're replacing old graphics, use a Release Adhesive & Sealant Remover and slowly peel them off. Clean the area afterwards to ensure no adhesive remains.

Frequently asked questions