domed letters adhesive

[McQuaig]

Is there a good adhesive to re-install the original domed Skeeter letters? I removed them a few years ago to wet sand the boat. I want them to stay on but not "super permanent". Thanks

[raven7usa]

Check into 3M weather-strip adhesive.

[McQuaig]

Thanks, I'll check that out. I have used it before for automotive. My letters are the big ones (SKEETER) on rear top cap sides, so it might take a few tubes. I think I was hoping for maybe a spray adhesive??

[jdwo2212]

Or 3m tape for auto molding. If they are the metal ones. If just a sticker, id just order new ones from domednumbers.com

[McQuaig]

Thanks, but these are the original vinyl, domed letters (chrome, red and black 3d). They're in perfect condition so I do want to re-use them...
letters.jpg

[Edziu23]

I have used contact cement, just need to make sure both the letter and boat are tacky before applying. Not saying this is the best approach just the one i used

[yanknbass]

Or 3m tape for auto molding. If they are the metal ones. If just a sticker, id just order new ones from domednumbers.com

or Iguana Graphics.

[crank68]

Get new ones….what you’re tryin to do is gonna be a messy and prolly not look good.

[HDETERS]

I cleaned up the ones on my ChampioN and just used some 4200 about 15 years ago. Have held up perfect.

[joebone1]

double sided gorilla tape

[McQuaig]

I appreciate all the replies. But I guess maybe I was looking for someone to tell me how to "magically" reactivate the existing glue on the letters (they're still sticky, but not good enough to hold really well). That's probably a long shot so I'll likely just leave them off or look for a set of the "chromed" vinyl ones on newer Skeeters.

[stinkus]

Find a local guy that does graphics and lettering for signs, billboards, etc. Tell them what you have. May have a solution for you.

[McQuaig]

Find a local guy that does graphics and lettering for signs, billboards, etc. Tell them what you have. May have a solution for you.

Yes, I have a local shop that's done a lot of vinyl for me that I can ask.

[OBT]

I appreciate all the replies. But I guess maybe I was looking for someone to tell me how to "magically" reactivate the existing glue on the letters (they're still sticky, but not good enough to hold really well). That's probably a long shot so I'll likely just leave them off or look for a set of the "chromed" vinyl ones on newer Skeeters.

Try heat. Pick up a heat gun from some where, nothing fancy or super powered, 'but' more heat than a hair dryer. Heat up the surface a bit, then the tacky side of the letter. Put letter in place and hold for few seconds. After 10 minutes or so test the grip of the letter..

[McQuaig]

Try heat. Pick up a heat gun from some where, nothing fancy or super powered, 'but' more heat than a hair dryer. Heat up the surface a bit, then the tacky side of the letter. Put letter in place and hold for few seconds. After 10 minutes or so test the grip of the letter..

Good thinking Mike....I'll try it this morning and report back. I used the heat gun to remove them, so hopefully can "reverse" it....Worst case scenario is they fly off in the spring and I go to plan B...

[McQuaig]

Ok, I put one set of letters on with the heat gun. They stuck fairly well, but there's enough glue missing around the letter edges (from 20 years age and dirt getting in behind them) that I don't think they'll last. Also, after seeing them on again, I've decided they look "old school" and I prefer the clean look of none at all (I guess that's my plan B). Anyway, thanks for everyone's input....

[fly by night]

3M also makes adhesive in a spray can that works pretty well. I think that might work for what you are doing.

[RangrSkipr]

The double sided Gorilla tape has been the best recommendation. The stuff is strong and durable. I don't know if you've ever used a spray adhesive but you will spend more time with clean up than it will take you to tape them on. You can't contain the spray to a small area especially when the directions are to spray both surfaces and let them tack before adhering

[McQuaig]

Old thread...just a follow-up for anyone interested. I'm reapplying my original domed vinyl letters that had lost their "stick". I used 1 1/2" wide, double-sided carpet tape and it works perfectly, no mess and VERY EASY. It's very thin and super sticky...just completely covered each letter and then cut off the excess with an exacto knife.