I have to remove old reg. #'s that have been on the boat for 24 years. What can i use that wont hurt paint/gel coat?

Wannabe

Is it gel or is it paint. Big difference on what chemicals you can use. 3M makes a wheel that is designed just for this and would be your best bet.

If its vinyl use this:
http://www.autobarn.net/3m-07498.html

I have used a heat gun and a blow dryer, you just need it warm up the numbers to make it pliable again.

marine shop said heat gun, plastic edge scraper. TRhere is a 3m product to remove old adhesive.

Wannabe

heat gun, and any glue that is left just use a dilueted acetone or goo gone on a rag to remove any that is left.

Split. Thanks for the sugestion of Goo Gone. I have some and will try that.

Wannabe

After you remove old vinyl graphics or registration numbers there is typically a difference in the gel coat (you can see the ghost of what was there before).
What grit sandpaper or rubbing compound should be used to get rid of the "ghost"?