Custom Boat & Truck Lettering
83 Conanicus Road, Narragansett Rhode Island 02882
FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: What kind of vinyl do you use and how long will it last?
    A: We use only top of the line, high performance vinyls that have a life expectancy of between eight to ten years. As long as the vinyl is properly cared for, it should withstand normal wear and tear from the outdoor elements.

  • Q: Can you wash and wax over the lettering?
    A: Actually, you can wash and wax right over the lettering the minute you are done applying it. There is no required drying time for the adhesive. The adhesive will continue to become more agressive over time with exposure to heat from the sun. The vinyl requires no extra preventative maintenance once it is on your boat other than normal washing and waxing.

  • Q: Does the vinyl come with any type of warranty?
    A: Yes, the vinyl is warrantied. We at Island Reflections Corporation are confident of your success at installing your lettering, if you adhere to our instructions and take your time during application process. If you manage to mess up the lettering, we will replace up to half of the vinyl for free, (excluding 22 Karat goldleaf vinyl), with the exception of any shipping costs involved in replacement. Should you manage to damage more than half of your decal, replacement charges would be for the cost of the vinyl and shipping charges only. These charges are substantially lower than original purchase price. Please contact us for further details.

  • Q: Is it easy to install?
    A: The vinyl you order comes with an instruction sheet and an application squeege. The instruction sheet is very easy to follow and further questions can be answered by contacting us.

  • Q: How is the price figured?
    A: The price is based on the total height of the graphic order and will be computed automatically for you at the time of checkout. Our charges are based on overall height of graphic and lettering. We do have a maximum allowable length for every height catagory, but it is more than sufficient for appropriate lettering layout and scale dimensions.

  • Q: Is this a form of a painted name?
    A: No,there is no painting involved in our work. All of our vinyl names are computer generated decals. They are basically sticker/decals in the simplest of terms with an adhesive backing already applied.

  • Q: How do I get my old name off?
    A: If your present boat or truck has lettering on it already the removal is rather simple for vinyl. Most vinyl decals will peel right off if you are careful and work slowly. Just lift a corner of a letter with your fingernail and peel back slowly. Heating with a hair dryer or heat gun may be necessary to allow the vinyl to become more pliable when removing, especially in colder weather. If heating is necessary, work small areas for short periods of time. Excessive heating of vinyl will cause it to strech and break off in small pieces. You may consider heating a small area, pulling off the vinyl and then continuing the same process over until completed. The vinyl will most likely leave some glue behind on the surface it is applied on. Once you remove all of the vinyl, the remaining glue residue can be removed with denatured alcohol and paper towels. Do not use cloth towels which retain the adhesive and will continue to smear it around the surface. When wiping the area with paper towels be sure to constantly fold and change the towel to trap removed glue. Dispose of paper towels frequently during this process.

    If your name is painted on the removal will be a little more difficult. Test and try these methods in a small, unconspicous area to make sure that no harm will be done to the gelcoat, fiberglass or paint. We do not take responsibility for any damage that may be caused by any chemicals used to remove either vinyl or painted lettering. The following methods are only suggestions that have been tried and have been effective under various conditions. You must assume all responsibility for removal. The first method is to take some acetone and soak it into a sponge, (protective gloves and plenty of fresh air ventillation are necessary when using most of these products.) Next, hold the sponge onto the lettering for 5 to 10 seconds allowing the acetone to soften the painted letters. Remove the sponge from the contact area and scrape the existing lettering with a plastic squeegee, then rinse with water and wipe with a paper towel.

    The lettering should begin to come off. This process is very timely and requires patience. If the acetone does not work, oven cleaner, paint thinners or mineral spirits may have to be used in the same manner.

  • Q: If I get a bubble under the lettering how do I get it out?
    A: Most air bubbles under the size of a dime will come out over time as the sun heats the vinyl. Vinyl shrinks and contracts with weather changes and most small air bubbles will disapate over time. If a larger air bubble occurs you can prick the middle of the bubble with a pin or razor blade and push the air towards the middle where the pin hole is located. Be careful and push the air equally from all sides so that you do not pinch or roll the vinyl over in the process.

  • Q: Are custom logos available?
    A: Yes, we offer professional logo design. Please contact us for more information.

  • Q: Can I use my own pictures for decals?
    A: If you send us a picture we will try to turn it into a vinyl decal for you. Digital prints are available but are subject to quotation. Most camera ready black and white images are acceptable. We also can work with digital artwork in ai., eps and other digital formats. Please contact us for more information.

  • Q: Can I preview the name on my boat?
    A: Yes, send us a picture and a scale measurement and we sill superimpose the graphic on your boat for you to make sure it fits perfecdtly.