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I had a customer ask me tonight about lettering his boat with vinyl. Seeing as I'm more inland than I want to be, I don't really know how it will hold up.
I have put vinyl on Transoms before but not the sides, where it would be under the water line on a more constant basis.
I would be using 3m HP 220 series if I do it in vinyl.
If any of you boat letterers out ther could enlighten me on the durability I would be most grateful.
Thanks Bob
------------------ Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA bob@creativesignworks.com
"Some people's kids"
Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Durability is going to be in direct relation to how much abuse its exposed to hitting water. If it is exposed to only the sun, I have found that it doesn't last quite as long. Usually about 5 years. Vinyl graphics will last much longer on a regular boat as compared to a JetSki.
I have had some success making the vinyl hold up longer by sealing the edges with Frog Juice.
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Bob....Use "high performance" 2 mil cast vinyl and there is NO PROBLEM with vinyl lettering and graphics on a boat. My experience is with sailboats and in fresh water and saltwater environments. But, of course, sailboats ony go about 10 knots max.
------------------ Dave Grundy AKA "applicator" on mIRC "stickin' sticky stuff to valuable vessels and vehicles!" in Granton, Ontario, Canada 1-519-225-2634 dave.grundy@quadro.net www.quadro.net/~shirley
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Oh YEAH!?! Well i once did a salt water offshore racer that went elevntytwo hundred miles an hour. Just before the finish line it blew up!..............but the striping went on to win!
------------------ St.Marie Graphics & Makin' Tracks Sound Studio Kalispell, Montana stmariegraphics@centurytel.net http://www.stmariegraphics.com 800 735-8026 We're chiseling every day of the week! :^)
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i did some of the "big boys" offshore racers, with sparcal promo plus...yep intermediate....they will pay big bucks for paint and engines and that stuff...but get to the letterin..and guess what poor mouth starts...and collecting your money....well get it before you finish the job....any way i always washed it down with 409 1st, wipe down with a/e reducer...and then apply vinyl....oh and i did the big white patch on the sides where they put the numbers...and those guys run 90+ mph....in rough water...
------------------ joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-944-5060 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND
Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
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posted
Yeah, graphics last longer on regular boats than jetskis because jetski owners peel them off well before the end of their life for a fresh design.
I've put vinyl on every possible location on jetskis and have never had problems with them coming off.
I put graphics on the hulls too, where they are under constant pounding from the water. The freestyle competitors put their sponsor names on the very underside of the hull so they are advertising even when their skis are upside down, which is more often than not during competition. =)
They always hold up.
I do round off tight corners though cause sharp corners will peel up instantly, and any other edge Im not so sure about I tell the customer to seal it with clear fingernail polish.
Other than that, I tell 'em to wait 3 days before putting the boat in the water because the vinyl adhesive has to setup.
------------------ Mike Pipes Digital Illusion Custom Graphics Lake Havasu City, AZ http://www.stickerpimp.com
Posts: 8746 | From: Lake Havasu, AZ USA | Registered: Jun 2000
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