Any vinyl decal guys... a question

[Waterfoul]

I just put a new vinyl graphic sticker on my boat for the second time.  Last year I did the same graphic and the first trip out it basically peeled off.  I cleaned the side of the boat with isopropol alcohol this time (last time I used acetone).  Would hitting it with some heat help it stay on better?

[djkimmel]

Do you wax your boat a lot? I don't know if heat would help. Might make it come off. I would say heat it a little. It hasn't been warm enough long enough for good decal sticking.

[Waterfoul]

It's been 80 degrees here two days in a row... and I left the side of the boat I applied it to in the sun for over an hour before I applied it.  Boat was nice and warm to the touch.  I don't wax the sides of my boat that often and it's been since at least last summer since I did.  That's why I used the alcohol (at the vinyl cutter and Cy's recommendation) to clean it... takes off any residual wax without leaving any kind of residue behind.   

[djkimmel]

If the hull seemed warm enough, then I would have to wonder about the adhesive used on the the decals? I have pretty good luck keeping decals on mine. Maybe test a small decal from a different company? Won't be quite the same. Not sure what else it could be.

You did make sure all the alcohol was evaporated or maybe a follow up with a water wipe down and dry, I imagine? Some substances like Goof Off will definitely mess up the adhesives if they aren't completely gone.

Did the source say the decal should stick to gelcoat?

[Redbone]

I have new Ranger logos to replace the old ones on my boat.  Youtube has alot of tips! And using a little dish soap helps with placement. I really dont know if its warm enough. You would think it should be though.  If I had the old sticker off I would of gave mine a shot.

[Waterfoul]

The graphics guys told me to avoid the soap and water thing and to just use alcohol to clean the hullside.  And yes I let it dry/evaporate a good long while before I applied the graphic.

And yes, this is pretty basic stuff that should stick to about any clean flat surface.  We'll see what happens when I hit the water Sunday.

[motocross269]

I have put alot of Graphics on Motocross bikes, Trailers, Trucks and a few boats....

It sounds to me like you did everything right...Don't know what other advice to give you....I have never cleaned the surface with Alcohol except when using high stick 3M products...Could that be the problem??

I have always used Windex to apply graphics and a flat piece of plastic to smooth them out..

Iquana Graphix does great work...They just sent me some Hull Id numbers and he recommends using a couple of drops of dish soap...I will go with what he says but am a little nervous about getting away from the windex...

I would not hit it with heat...I use heat to take graphics off....JMHO..

[Redbone]

I just put mine on. Yikes that thing was sticky! Must of been your vinyl.

[djkimmel]

Tried dish soap once. Once.

I think I used too much. I think you just had one defective graphic and your troubles are over.

[Waterfoul]

Well after a full day on the water it still says West Marine on the starboard side.  Now to do the port side.