How to Apply Boat Lettering
Lettering for boats, whether it is a boat name or registration numbers, can be ordered from a custom manufacturer. The resulting graphic usually comes in one piece. The vinyl graphic lettering is normally sandwiched between a layer of paper transfer tape and a layer of wax paper backing. With care and the right equipment, you can apply the graphic yourself.
Things You'll Need
- Vinyl lettering graphic
- Quart spray bottle with one or two drops of dish detergent in water
- Hard, straight-edged plastic squeegee
- Masking tape
- Craft knife
- Tape measure
- Pin
Instructions
-
-
1
Clean the surface of the boat where you will apply the lettering. Remove all dirt and wax, along with any previous lettering or graphics.
-
2
Tape the lettering to the boat to position it. Use two small pieces of tape, one for each top corner of the graphic. Do not remove any backing or paper covering. Adjust the lettering as necessary to locate it exactly where you want it to be. Remember that lettering generally lasts up to seven years, so you want to get it right. Use the tape measure to measure from each corner to the top of the side of the boat to make sure the lettering is level.
-
-
3
Make a hinge with a long piece of tape and apply it to the top edge of the backing paper. This hinge must be strong and able to hold the lettering in place, so ensure that half the tape is on the boat and half is on the backing paper. If the lettering moves and sticks where you do not want it, it cannot be repositioned. Flip the lettering up and back to test that it is going to stay in place.
-
4
Flip the graphic up and peel back the wax paper backing so that the sticky side of the vinyl is exposed. Get someone to help you if the graphic is very long, or you can cut vertically between letters to divide the graphic into more manageable parts. This is a good technique to use if the surface of the boat is curved.
-
5
Spritz the back of the vinyl lettering with the slightly soapy water. If there is too much soap in the water, the graphic will not stick and you will have to wash off the soap with clean water. Get the backing only slightly wet.
The reason for wetting the back is that it is easier to squeegee out water bubbles than air bubbles when you apply the lettering to the boat. The water evaporates completely from under the graphic after several days.
-
6
Flip the graphic slowly back down to the hull but do not press. It will not stick to the boat immediately because it is wet. Hold one lower corner taut and slightly away from the boat.
-
7
Use the squeegee to press a line vertically down the middle of the graphic to create a center line of adhesion
-
8
Lift up the side of the graphic without letting go of the corner you are holding. Squeegee from the line of adhesion toward the opposite side of the graphic using even pressure and a constant stroke. Squeegee that same side from the middle horizontal axis to the top and then from the horizontal axis to the bottom. Always squeegee from the center to the edges to squeeze out water and air.
-
9
Repeat this process on the other side of the lettering. If you made a solid central line of adhesion, the rest of the graphic will fall into place with no problems. If you cut the graphic between letters, repeat these steps for each section you cut.
-
10
Spray the transfer tape, or the top layer of the graphic sandwich, with water. Squeegee again to ensure the entire graphic is pressed onto the boat. Let the water soak into the paper for a few minutes to help loosen the paper.
-
11
Pull the paper off the graphic from one corner carefully to avoid pulling the vinyl lettering off the hull. Pop any bubbles with a pin and press out the air or water.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Apply lettering only when the weather is fair. You do not want to battle wind or rain when applying lettering to a boat.
Vinyl lettering must be applied in temperatures over 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
If you are applying lettering to both sides of a vessel, pick a piece of hardware common to both port and starboard as a reference point and make sure no other hardware or portholes will be in the way before you begin.
