Cleaning boat surface

[Bigwoods]

I bought an older aluminum boat. I had to register it and have to put new boat numbers on it. It has had decals on it and there is a ghost image of old numbers that an be seen also. Any ideas of what I could do to clean the surface and get the fading off before I put on new numbers?

[Verna]

I wonder if vinegar would work? Just thinking...haven't tried it on a boat. It sure makes my kitchen sink look better.

[Shadow Catcher]

I would start with Goo Gone unless you want to go the clean and polish route. Once saw a Grumman canoe that some one had polished to a mirror shine, impressive and blinding when it reflected from the roof rack.

[mary and bob]

I did pay attention to the fact that you said aluminum, but people on the fiberglass RV forum are saying that Barkeepers Friend is a good cleaner. I bought some in the liquid form at Lowes, have also seen it at an Ace Hardware store. It is a mild abrasive and may work for you. Very fine sandpaper may work, 1200 grit or finer. Maybe Mothers Mag wheel polish, that's what I use on our old aluminum teardrop.