Decal Removal & Replacement in Toronto & GTA · Clean Gelcoat Finish

Boat decal removal & replacement in Toronto.

Old decals can date the whole boat, and the adhesive shadow underneath can be worse than the decal itself. We remove vinyl graphics, boat names and registration numbers safely, clean the adhesive properly, and restore a clean surface with a clear scope and honest expectations.

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Decals & names

4 steps

Warm & lift, no aggressive scraping
No harsh solvents on gelcoat
New decals installed on request

★★★★★5.0 on Google · 33 reviews

★ 5.0 on Google · 33 reviews12+ years detailing boatsWe come to your marinaFree quote from photosOakville to ScarboroughShrink wrap from $23/ft · spring unwrap includedPolishing from $65/ftReal photos, real work

Quick answer

Boat decal removal and replacement in one minute

What is boat decal removal? It is the safe removal of old vinyl decals, graphics, boat names and registration numbers from the hull, followed by adhesive cleanup and light polishing where needed, so the gelcoat looks even and is ready for new lettering.

What we remove: Vinyl decals and stripes, boat names and hailing ports, hull numbers and registration (licence) numbers, dated factory graphics and sticker residue.
Ghost lines: The faded outline left by old decals. Light polishing often reduces it; see gelcoat polishing (from $65/ft). On very old gelcoat a faint outline can stay.
New decals: We prep the surface, set out tape lines and install new decals you supply or order, depending on size and complexity.
Price: Depends on decal size, age and adhesive condition. Free quote from photos.
Where: At the marina, in the yard or on a trailer, from Oakville to the Scarborough Bluffs.

Written by Pavlo, founder of Toronto Boat Detailing, 12+ years detailing boats. Updated October 2026.

See all boat cleaning services and 2026 prices →

What’s included

What’s included in decal removal & surface restore.

Clean removal, correct adhesive cleanup, and realistic expectations on “ghosting”: scope confirmed after inspection.

Decal Removal (Core)

Safe removal of old vinyl decals/graphics
Adhesive removal and residue cleanup
Careful work around edges, curves and gelcoat

Surface Restoration (Core)

Clean and prep the area for a uniform finish
Light polishing/refinement where needed to reduce “ghosting” (case-by-case)

Replacement / Prep for New Decals (Optional With Approval)

Surface prep for new decal installation
Layout/tape lines on request
Installation of new decals you provide or order (size and complexity permitting)

Honest note: Older decals often leave “ghost lines” because the gelcoat around them has faded from UV. Removal fixes the decal, but matching the surrounding colour may require polishing, and in some cases the outline won’t fully disappear. We’ll set expectations before we start.

Names, numbers & graphics

Boat names, hull numbers and registration lettering.

The most common reasons owners call us about decals:

New owner, new name

Bought a used boat? We take off the old name and hailing port so the new lettering goes onto clean, even gelcoat.

Registration (licence) numbers

Old or wrong numbers removed cleanly before the new ones go on. You arrange the registration paperwork; we handle the hull.

Dated factory graphics

Faded stripes and 90s graphics make a boat look older than it is. Removing them can modernize the whole look.

Peeling or cracked vinyl

Brittle vinyl comes off in flakes; we take our time so the gelcoat underneath is not marked.

Before a sale

Brokerage and pre-sale cleanups: old names off, surface cleaned up for the next owner.

Sticker & residue removal

Marina stickers, old permits and glue residue cleaned off without damaging the finish.

Clean Removal Without Damage (Our Approach)

We remove vinyl the safe way: no aggressive scraping.

No shortcuts that mark gelcoat.

Warm & lift vinyl safely

Heat softens the vinyl and adhesive so it lifts without aggressive scraping.

Remove adhesive correctly

No harsh solvents that damage gelcoat.

Clean & refine the surface

Light polishing where needed to minimize shadows.

Prep for replacement

So new decals bond properly and sit straight.

Real work · before and after

Old graphics off, clean gelcoat on.

A 39 motor yacht: the dated “39 Motor Yacht” stripe removed, adhesive cleaned and the hull side left even and ready for new graphics.

Before and after: old 39 Motor Yacht decal removed from a hull side by Toronto Boat Detailing

Boats We Service

Sailboats, powerboats and yachts.

SailboatsPowerboatsCruisersBowridersYachtsBrokerage boats

Sailboats, powerboats, and yachts, including brokerage/pre-sale cleanups. Marina-friendly workflow: we coordinate access and work cleanly around dock rules.

5.0 on Google · 33 reviews

Boat owners say it better.

Real reviews from our Google profile. Swipe or hover to read more. See all reviews on Google →

★★★★★Our company used them at the Toronto International Boat Show and their team is world class! They were more than willing to start at 5am and work late into the night to finish cleaning over 50+ products.

Emma MarcinkowskiToronto Boat Show · Google

★★★★★Pavlo and his team turned our oxidized dull looking 1991 CS34 into a sparkling masterpiece!

Sean M1991 CS34 · polish + decals · Google

★★★★★Pavlo and his team did bottom painting and hull polishing on our Hunter sailboat, and everything turned out amazing.

EvanBottom paint & polish · Google

★★★★★These guys are the ultimate professionals. Great communication, obvious expertise and experience and fabulous job. I would hire them again in a minute!

Mark StevensDetailing · Google

★★★★★I recently had my Sea Ray 550 detailed and ceramic coated, and I couldn’t be more impressed.

Edward GeorgeSea Ray 550 · ceramic · Google

★★★★★Pavlo and his team did an absolutely outstanding job detailing our Yamaha FX Cruiser.

Leonid RoyYamaha FX Cruiser · Google

★★★★★Boat sat all winter dirty and came out looking new after their great work.

Steve BamfordSpring clean · Google

★★★★★I asked for a sticker removal on my boat, and they went above and beyond by waxing, detailing, and thoroughly cleaning it.

Domenica RodriguezDecal removal · Google

Boat decal removal and replacement across Toronto & the GTA.

No travel fee: Oakville and Bronte, all of Mississauga incl. Port Credit, Etobicoke, Mimico, Humber Bay, downtown Toronto and the Islands, East York, North York south of the 401 and Scarborough up to the Bluffs. Travel fee shown in your quote: North York north of the 401, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara, Barrie and Lake Simcoe. We also come to trailered boats, driveways and storage yards across the GTA.

No travel fee: Oakville & Bronte, all of Mississauga incl. Port Credit, Etobicoke, Mimico & Humber Bay, downtown Toronto & the Islands, East York, North York south of the 401, Scarborough to the BluffsTravel fee, confirmed in your quote: North York north of the 401, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Markham, Brampton, Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa, Burlington, Hamilton, Guelph, Kitchener, Niagara, Barrie & Lake Simcoe, PeterboroughBy arrangement: Muskoka & cottages, Orillia, Georgian Bay, Prince Edward County and beyond

76+ locations · Toronto & GTA

Marinas & yacht clubs we work at.

Don’t see your marina? If your boat floats in the GTA, text us and we’ll tell you. Subject to each facility’s contractor rules.

Downtown Toronto & Toronto Islands13 locations

Toronto Outer Harbour Marina
Harbourfront Centre Marina
Marina Quay West
Marina Four
Queens Quay West Marina
Polson Pier Marina
RCYC (Royal Canadian Yacht Club)
Queen City Yacht Club
National Yacht Club
Aquatic Park Sailing Club
Toronto Island Marina
Hanlan’s Point Marina
Keating Channel Marina

East Toronto & Scarborough9 locations

Ashbridge’s Bay Yacht Club
Ashbridge’s Bay Marina
Bluffer’s Park Marina
Bluffer’s Park Yacht Club
Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club
Scarborough Bluffs Sailing Club
Water Rats Sailing Club
Toronto Hydroplane & Sailing Club
Highland Yacht Club

West Toronto & Etobicoke6 locations

Mimico Cruising Club
Humber Bay Park Marina (East & West)
Etobicoke Yacht Club
Lakeshore Yacht Club
Mooredale Sailing Club
Humber Bay Sailing Centre

Mississauga & Port Credit5 locations

Port Credit Harbour Marina
Port Credit Yacht Club
Lakefront Promenade Marina
St. Lawrence Park Boat Launch
Credit Village Marina

Oakville & Bronte5 locations

Oakville Harbour Marina
Oakville Yacht Squadron
Bronte Harbour Yacht Club
Bronte Outer Harbour Marina
Sixteen Mile Creek Public Docks

Burlington & Hamilton7 locations

LaSalle Park Marina
Burlington Sailing & Boating Club
Royal Hamilton Yacht Club
Hamilton Bay Sailing Club
Macassa Bay Yacht Club
Fifty Point Marina
Harbour West Marina

Pickering, Ajax, Whitby, Oshawa & Clarington9 locations

Frenchman’s Bay Marina (Pickering)
Frenchman’s Bay Yacht Club
Ajax Yacht Club
Whitby Marina
Port Whitby Marina
Oshawa Harbour Marina
Oshawa Yacht Club
Port Darlington Marina (Clarington)
Newcastle Marina

York Region & Lake Simcoe6 locations

Keswick Marina
Jackson’s Point Harbour
Pefferlaw Marina
Beaverton Yacht Club
Friday Harbour Resort Marina (Innisfil)
Barrie Marina

Niagara Region & St. Catharines5 locations

St. Catharines Marina
Port Dalhousie Pier Marina
Port Weller Marina
Niagara-on-the-Lake Sailing Club
Grimsby Yacht Club

Georgian Bay & beyond (by arrangement)7 locations

Port of Orillia
Lagoon City Marina
Penetanguishene Town Dock
Midland Bay Sailing Club
Bay Port Yachting Centre (Midland)
Parry Sound Town Dock
Sugarloaf Marina (Port Colborne)

Private docks & condo marinas4 locations

Toronto private docks (Harbourfront, Islands)
Condo marinas (Tip Top Lofts, Waterclub, Quay West and more)
Custom residential docks (Mississauga Rd, Bronte, Oakville, King City)
Trailered boats, driveways and storage yards across the GTA

FAQs

Boat decal removal and replacement: your questions.

Will the “shadow” outline disappear after decal removal?

Sometimes yes, sometimes partially. It depends on UV fade and oxidation. Light polishing helps a lot, but older gelcoat can keep a faint outline.

Can you install new decals too?

Yes. We prep the surface and install new decals depending on their size and complexity. Send photos and tell us what decals you plan to use.

How much does decal removal cost?

It depends on decal size, age and adhesive condition. Share photos and we’ll quote accurately.

How do you remove an old boat name?

We warm and lift the vinyl, remove the adhesive without harsh solvents, then clean and refine the area so the new name goes onto an even surface.

Can you remove registration numbers from a boat?

Yes, vinyl registration (licence) numbers can be removed like any other decal. Make sure the new numbers go on as required by your registration.

Will removing decals damage the gelcoat?

Not when it is done correctly. We avoid aggressive scraping and harsh solvents. If the gelcoat under the decal is already damaged, we show you before going further.

Can painted names or graphics be removed?

Painted graphics are a different job from vinyl: they usually need sanding and refinishing. See gelcoat repair and marine paint.

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