Every boat owner is faced with a legal requirement to register with a GIMS and then mark it, which is not just a bureaucratic procedure, but an important element of water safety that allows you to identify the owner in emergency situations. The process of assigning an alphanumeric code requires careful attention, especially when it comes to soft boards made of polyvinyl chloride.
The main difficulty is that boat-boat It's exposed to a constant corrosive environment, salt water, ultraviolet light, gasoline and mechanical friction, and if you're not using it correctly, you can get the signs to wear off after the first navigation, which can result in penalties. How to put a number on a PVC boatIt is meant to remain read for many years.
There are several proven methods, each with its own advantages and disadvantages, from classic stencil painting to modern self-adhesive films, the choice depends on your skills, budget and desired durability of the result.
GIMS requirements for the marking of floating craft
The registration number of small vessels must be 11 characters, 4 letters, 4 digits and 2 digits, representing the region code, all of which are contrasted on both sides, closer to the bow, at a distance of at least 150 mm from the upper edge of the board.
The size of the characters is also strictly regulated, the height of letters and numbers should be at least 150 mm, and the width should be 100 mm, while the thickness of the font lines should not be less than 15-20 mm, so that the number is well read from a distance and in poor visibility, ignoring these parameters can be grounds for refusing registration or issuing a fine by the water inspector.
⚠️ Note: The use of decorative fonts, curls or abbreviations is prohibited. The number must be in direct chopped font, ensuring maximum readability.
If the side of your boat is dark (blue, green, black), the room should be white or light gray. For light sides (gray, yellow, white), black or dark blue is used. Contrast This is a key factor that is primarily addressed by the inspection authorities.
Surface Preparation: The Key to Durability
The quality of the application depends on 80% of the quality of the application, how well the preparatory work was done. PVC surface often has factory lubrication, dust or glue residues that prevent the adhesion of paint or film. Before starting work, the boat must be thoroughly washed using degreasing agents, such as isopropyl alcohol or a special PVC cleaner.
After washing, the surface should be completely elevated. It is important to work in a room temperature or shade, avoiding direct sunlight. Heating the material can lead to an expansion of the PVC structure, and after cooling, the coating may deform or detach. Temperature conditions It plays a critical role in working with chemical compounds.
Use lilaless wipes for degreasing so that the villi do not stick to a sticky layer of glue or fresh paint.
If you plan to use paint, it is recommended to slightly go through the application site with fine sandpaper (P600-P800 grain) to create microroughness, which will improve the adhesion of the material to the board, but you should do this extremely carefully so as not to damage the main layer of tissue.
Screen printing method and aerosol paints
The most common and budget-friendly way is to use stencils and specialized paints. This method requires a dense material to create a template (plastic, dense cardboard or self-adhesive film) and a spray of paint. PVC aerosol paints are convenient in that they lie flat and dry quickly.
The process of application is as follows: first, a stencil is applied to the prepared surface and fixed with paint tape, then the can is shaken for 2-3 minutes, and the paint is sprayed with short presses from a distance of 20-30 cm. aerosol It should be applied in thin layers, giving each to dry for 5-10 minutes to avoid leaks.
☑️ Preparation for painting
There are special two-part PVC paints that provide chemical adhesion to the material, becoming actually part of the board, and they are more resistant to abrasion than conventional nitro-enamels. Once the stencil is dryed, the stencil is carefully removed, and the edges of the symbols can be slightly adjusted with a thin brush if the paint has slipped under the pattern.
⚠️ Warning: Do not try to speed drying with a hair dryer. Sharp heating can lead to paint bubbles and deformation of the soft side of the boat.
Self-adhesive films and vinyl stickers
Alternatives to liquid paints are ready-made vinyl stickers or plotter-cut film, which is considered more aesthetic and faster. Vinyl film It has high elasticity, which allows it to stretch along with the sides of the boat when pumping and blowing, without cracking with time.
When choosing a film, pay attention to its type. For boats, the best fit is cast vinyl film with air channels, which allows you to remove air bubbles when you stick it. The film must be resistant to seawater and ultraviolet light, otherwise after the season it will fade and begin to crumble. The color range is usually limited to black, white and fluorescent yellow.
The technology of film application requires precision. The surface is wetted abundantly with soap solution, the film is positioned, and then the rackel (or plastic card) is used to expel water and air from under it. Soap solution allows you to adjust the position of the stickers until the moment of final adherence, which is impossible to do with paint.
Comparison of materials: specifications table
To make your choice easier, we have prepared a comparison table of basic application methods that will help you weigh the pros and cons of each option, taking into account your financial capabilities and skills.
| Parameter | Aerosol paint | Vinyl film | Two-component paint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Durability | 1-2 seasons | 3-5 years | 5-7 years |
| Difficulty of application | Medium | Low. | High. |
| Elasticity | Low (may crack) | High. | Medium |
| Cost | Low. | Medium | High. |
| Drying time | 30-60 minutes. | Instantly (after glue drying) | 24 hours. |
As you can see from the table, each method has its strengths: If you plan to operate the boat in difficult conditions, it makes sense to spend on more expensive but durable materials, and for seasonal use on calm water bodies, a budget option is also quite suitable.
Professional kits and markers for PVC
There are also specialized markers on the market for PVC fabric marking, a handy tool for those who want to do everything themselves, but do not want to mess with cans and stencils, such markers contain a persistent pigment that penetrates the structure of the material, and often have a tip of different thicknesses.
However, using markers requires a firm hand and good artistic skills to produce even letters 150 mm high from the hand is almost impossible without a template. Specialized markers They are excellent for correction of worn areas or applying additional signs.
Secrets of the professionals
Masters often use a combination of methods: first apply the number with paint for the base, and on top, after complete drying, glue a transparent protective layer of PVC glue or varnish, which significantly increases the service life of the marking.
Some boat manufacturers offer factory marking services, so if you're just buying a boat, check with the seller to make sure you can get a number in the factory, which ensures that all the technologies are met and that materials are perfectly compatible with the fabric of the particular manufacturer.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Many newcomers make the same mistakes that negate all effort, the most common being putting a number on a dirty or wet surface, which causes the paint or glue to go undetected, and the room to fall off in pieces after the first wash or descent.
Another mistake is choosing the wrong solvent when working with paints. Aggressive solvents can eat the top layer of PVC, making the side sticky or changing its color. Always test the chemicals on an inconspicuous area, such as on a transom or inside a cockpit. Safety of material should be a priority.
⚠️ Warning: Do not place the number on the seams or the gluing of cylinders. In these areas, the material has a different structure and may react differently to the chemical compositions, which will lead to detachment.
Also, the time of full polymerization is often ignored. Even if the paint seems dry to the touch after an hour, the chemical reaction can last for days. You can not lower the boat into the water or blow it out ahead of time.
The main secret of success is careful preparation of the surface and compliance with drying time between layers and before operation.
Care for marking during operation
Once the number is applied, it also requires some care: wash the boards regularly with fresh water, especially after swimming in salt water. The salt crystallizes and may begin to destroy the coating or the PVC material itself underneath. Use soft sponges and non-abrasive detergents.
If you notice that the room has begun to dim or chipped, do not wait for the end of the season. local repair: clean the damaged area, degrease and apply a fresh layer of paint or a piece of film. timely maintenance will prolong the life of the labeling and save you from problems with inspection.
When storing a boat in a deflated state, try to fold it so that the room with the number does not experience a constant strong cliff. It is best to roll the boat into a roll, starting from the opposite side, or use special cocoon bags where the sides lie flat.
Can I use a regular car enamel to apply a number?
It is not recommended to use conventional car enamel, it does not have sufficient elasticity and when the side is deformed (inflated / deflated, waves) it will quickly become cracked and begin to crumble, and it may not have proper adhesion to PVC without special soil.
What to do if the number is made with an error?
If you've used paint, remove it with a special solvent for PVC (e.g., acetone, but with great care) until it's frozen permanently. If you've used the film, you can carefully heat it with a hair dryer and remove it, and if you fail, it's easier to paint the area in the color of the side and apply the number again.
Do I need to register a homemade stencil?
No, you don't need to register the stencil, but the main thing is that the final image on board meets the GIMS requirements for size, font and readability, you can make the stencil yourself from any suitable material or order it in an advertising studio.
How long does the PVC boat number dry?
The drying time depends on the type of material. Aerosol paints dry to a stick in 15-30 minutes, but gain full strength after 24 hours. The film is glued immediately, but it also takes 12 to 24 hours to gain strength to the adhesive layer at temperatures above +15 °C.
Can I put a number on an already inflated boat?
Technically possible, but extremely inconvenient and not recommended: It is difficult to fix the stencil on an inflated cylinder, and the surface can be stretched unevenly, and the best way to do this is to work on a slightly deflated but shape-containing cylinder, or on a completely deflated boat, straightening the side.