I removed the large registration numbers and painted small ones on XF
this winter. I also removed the competition numbers and repainted
them. My Cirrus has gelcoat and I used 600/800/1200 grit wet
sandpaper to remove the numbers. The gelcoat shined up so nice I did
the entire airplane! I then had my local sign shop cut me some vinyl
stencils for $50 (using old turquoise vinyl that they did not want).
Tape the top of your stencil in place with masking tape hinges. Spray
a soapy solution on the surface. Lift stencil from the bottom and
bending at the hinges. Remove transfer paper. Apply stencil and use
squeegee to remove water. Wait a while to remove top paper as the
vinyl will lift until the surface dries out. Then rough up the
surface to be painted with 360 grit dry sand paper and sprayed
polyurethane. It looks pretty darn good.

XF