How to Replace Sail Numbers & Insignia

X-HT-300074

Have your sail numbers or insignia seen better days? Old sail numbers and insignia were made of vinyl that would dry out and crack in the sun. If your numbers or insignia are cracked or faded, or if you have a new-to-you sail with someone else’s numbers, then you’ll want to replace them. It’s not hard to do, but it does take a little patience. Let’s take a look at removal and installation of sail numbers.
Materials List:
  • 3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover 32 oz. (Quart) – #108984
  • Sail Numbers Black – #100169
  • Computer Sail Number Black 12" – #100150
  • Insignia Adhesive Backed Blue 54" Fabric – #107011
  • Insignia Adhesive Backed Red 54" Fabric – #943100
  • Insignia Adhesive Backed Black 54" Fabric – #946111
  • Insignia Adhesive Backed White 54" Fabric – #945111
Tools List:
  • Metal Ruler 12" x 1-1/8" – #123098
  • Aluminum Straight Edger 36" – #122548
  • Soapstone Fabric Marking Pencil White – #102766
  • Marking Tools Variety Package – #122190

How to Replace Sail Numbers Insignia

Before you remove the numbers or insignia, you’ll want to buy or pattern your replacements. For numerals, you can purchase pre-cut numbers or a Computer Eight, which you can cut into any number 0-9.

How to Replace Sail Numbers Insignia 2
Buy or pattern your replacements before removing the old insignia.

To replace the insignia, you’ll want to use a clear patterning material, like Dura-Skrim®, to trace the shape of your existing insignia. Cut out the shape and use this pattern to trace your logo onto adhesive-backed Insignia Dacron® and cut it out with scissors. We have a product with the name Insignia, but that's not to be confused with the distinguishing marks or signs on sails that are also called insignia. Be sure when you do this that your shape will face the correct direction when applied to the sail. To see a demonstration of patterning insignia, check out the blog "How to Make a Sail Logo." 

Removing the Old Numbers

How to Replace Sail Numbers Insignia 4
Steps for removing the old sail numbers or insignia.
  1. Peel off the old numbers.
  2. To remove the sticky residue, use 3M™ Specialty Adhesive Remover. Apply solvent to a soft cloth and rub over the adhesive until the solution can soak in. Leave the sail for a bit while the solvent soaks in.
  3. Using a terry cloth or other soft towel, scrub off the glue residue.

Adding New Numbers

How to Replace Sail Numbers Insignia 3
Steps for adding new sail numbers or insignia.

When adding your new numbers or insignia, be sure to refer to class rules on where to position the markers on your sail.

  1. Allow the sail to dry out.
  2. Starting at a short edge, peel back a small section of the backing paper. Stick the corner in the desired location on the sail and smooth it out, making sure there are no air bubbles.
  3. Working slowly, continue to peel small portions of the paper off and smooth out the Dacron®. On numbers with a hole, take care to not stretch the Dacron material as you apply it.
  4. When you are satisfied with your placement, allow the adhesive to cure for 24 hours. After this time, the glue will be permanent.

You can find an adhesive remover, sail numbers, insignia material, and more right here at Sailrite®.

Have you ever had to remove or install sail numbers? Do you have any helpful tricks for the process? Share your thoughts and ideas in the comments!

!