Boat Lettering Decals

About this boat lettering decals

Cut lettering is vinyl cut to the shape of the letters and weeded, so there is no background: the wall, the glass or the hull shows through between the strokes. It arrives pre-spaced on transfer tape, so a whole word goes on in one piece and lines up exactly as designed. Artwork has to be vector, because the cutter follows a path rather than an image.

Materials compared

What each option is actually good for, so you can pick on the job rather than on the price alone.

Vinyl	Removable	Indoor / outdoor	Expected outdoor life	Best for
Polymeric calendared	No	Both	3 to 5 years	Shopfront glass, flat signage, general use
Cast	No	Both	5 to 7 years	Boats, curves, rivets and long-life work
Low-tack wall vinyl	Yes	Indoor	2 to 3 years	Office walls and painted interior surfaces
Etch-effect film	No	Both	5 to 7 years	Frosted lettering on glass and glass doors
Reflective	No	Outdoor	5 to 7 years	Vehicle and plant identification at night

Questions we get asked

How small can the lettering go?

Around 10mm cap height is the practical floor for a simple sans-serif. Below that the fine strokes tear during weeding and lift during application. Thin scripts and hairline serifs need to be larger again to survive the process.

What artwork do you need?

Vector only: PDF, AI, EPS or SVG with all type converted to outlines. A JPEG or PNG of a logo cannot be cut without being redrawn first. We can redraw it, but it is a separate job, so flag it early rather than at the last minute.

How do I apply it?

Clean the surface with isopropyl alcohol, tape the piece in position, then hinge it: fold half back, peel the backing, squeegee down from the centre, then repeat on the other half. Leave the transfer tape a few minutes, then peel it back on itself at a shallow angle.

Wet or dry application?

Dry for small pieces and a steady hand. Wet, using a few drops of detergent in a spray bottle, for large panels or first-timers, because it lets you slide the piece into position before the adhesive grabs. Wet application needs longer before the tape comes off.

Will it damage the wall when it comes off?

Low-tack wall vinyl on cured, properly painted plaster usually comes away cleanly. Fresh paint, chalky paint or a cheap flat finish can lift with it. Let new paint cure for a few weeks before applying, and warm the vinyl before you remove it.

Vinyl Cut Lettering