Hi Mitch,
In removing old painted numbers, I first try to get the surface level (wing
up-side-down and fuselage horizontal) Then lightly sand the old numbers with
220 (this will help the acetone to penetrate) Then saturate a shop rag with
lots of acetone and place it over the numpers (wear rubber gloves) After about
5 minutes, start scrubbing. This only works with numbers painted over gelgoat,
don't try it if the ship is also painted with something other than gelcoat.
Keep er-sanding with 220, as necessary. After all is gone, sand the whole area
with 600 wet and mask and paint your new numbers, then wet sand and buff out
with buffing compound and a wool pad OR use *stick-on* numbers this time.
JJ Sinclair