Removing registration stickers without damaging the finish.

[OxbowJay]

A few weeks ago, I picked up a DH in Ohio. Ohio requires registration and, therefore, stickers posted on the hull. I need to remove the registration stickers, which I will do with a heat gun, but I am not sure how best to get rid os any residual adhesive. My go-to on other surfaces has always been either WD40 or Goop-Off. What can I use on a MR DH that will not damage the paint/finish?

Thanks,

JDG

 

[yknpdlr]

My first canoe was a lighweight hull Grumman that I bough in Columbus OH when I was in th AF there many years ago. After moving to NY (no stickers required), I carefully scraped the registration numbers off. But the awdul outline still remains visible. I don't use that canoe enough to worry about it, bu have threatened to use harsher means to clean it up. Steel wool comes to mind, but I did not want to leave a discolored patch. I can't imagine much of anything would harm the aluminum, but just haven't gotten around to it.

 

[M Clemens]

A few weeks ago, I picked up a DH in Ohio. Ohio requires registration and, therefore, stickers posted on the hull. I need to remove the registration stickers, which I will do with a heat gun, but I am not sure how best to get rid os any residual adhesive. My go-to on other surfaces has always been either WD40 or Goop-Off. What can I use on a MR DH that will not damage the paint/finish?

Thanks,

JDG

I assume your Duck Hunter is Royalex, so I'd go easy on the heat gun, as Royalex can expand with excessive heat. I had a similar situation with PA stickers on a Mohawk canoe once. They were stacked 6 deep and would not respond to heat. Ended up getting a single edge razor blade under one corner and just working it gradually, while very careful not to cut into the vinyl skin of the Royalex. A little gasoline on a rag removed the residual adhesive without damaging the Royalex.

 

[Neophyte]

I live in PA. I purchase the boat launch permit every year, I certainly don't mind supporting everything it gives me access to. But I refuse to put the sticker on my canoe for this exact reason. I've gotten stopped once at a boat launch and once I pulled out the permit they didn't give me any trouble about it.

 

[stripperguy]

Mineral spirits is pretty benign
And believe it or not, baby oil removes lots of adhesives, very gently, I might add.
Tougher stuff may respond to acetone, tougher yet hexanes.
With any of these, of course, test them out in an obscure spot first.

 

[PortageW/Cerberus]

WD40 has removed lots of sticker residue on hulls for me, though that has only been on Kevlar and Carbon-fiber hulls made with either Vinylester or Epoxy resin. I too am done putting ugly registration stickers on my hulls...I'll pay the fine.

 

[Gamma1214]

I don't put stickers on my canoes but I've had good luck with Goo Gone when working with surfaces that I was hesitant to wipe with Gasoline

As for the stickers themselves, I actually bought a launch permit last year when I paddled to Allegheny Islands State Park but didn't put it on. I had it in my pocket when Fish & Boat questioned me and the officer seemed to understand completely why I didn't have it stuck to my stripper.

I'm not saying all fish cops would do that but the fine might be optional if the only issue was an "installation error"

 

[scoutergriz]

royalex is very susceptible to gouging from razor blades- if you go that route I suggest you touch the corners to a grinder or whetstone to knock the corners off so they won't grab and dig in.
I don't know if it would work without leaving marks but there's a wallpapering tool made for vinyl called a "paper tiger' which has tiny teeth on rollers designed to puncture the waterproof coating and allow the adhesive remover to soak through without damaging the drywall behind- I've successfully used it on glass and painted metal as well as some harder plastics and composites, but never on something as soft as royalex

 

[sailsman63]

I've found that some adhesives respond best to ethanol. Denatured alcohol or gel hand sanitizer. Don't waste your good hooch on this.