Official Luthiers Forum!

I have just made my own decal logo using a graphics package, inkjet printer, special transparent paper and Testors bonding spray.

I have seen earlier posts on people's concerns with the ink running - that has not been a problem in my case as it is sealed by the Testors bonding spray.

Questions:
1. When I apply it to the headstock veneer (on bare wood), very slight but noticeable puckering can be seen - can only be air or water. Should I put a couple of coats of shellac on first and cut that back to very smooth first?

2. I can see the edge of the transparency pretty clearly. After I put nitro over the top and cut it all back, will that 'disappear'?

Thanks. Frank.

You can also use spray laquer to seal the decal so it don't run. Polyurethane works too i have used both. You must apply the label over a finish not on bare wood. You can do it after you have applied you first couple of coats and did some light sanding after to smooth out any bumps or dust.

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The instructions that came with my decal paper mentioned putting it on a finished smooth surface, then using a gel varnish(poly) finish on top of the decal(about 4 coats) then apply lacquer as normal until the decal line is gone. I think the alcohol in shellac(on top of the decal) will eat the decal. That is why you use a poly finish on top of the decal. Hope that helps. Good luck!
Tracy

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Tracy
http://www.luthiersuppliers.com

I don't remember who I bought my decal supplies from, but I've had good luck with it. The decal is first printed on the film which is attached to white paper, then a couple of coats of sealer is sprayed onto the printed decal. I apply it after about 3 coats of lacquer, then after it is dry, I spray the remaining lacquer coats over the decal. I always trim the decal so there is only a minimum clear border around the graphic. Be sure that the decal is completely dry before shooting lacquer over it or the lacquer will fog from trapped moisture.

Al

I used a company called www.best-decals.com for my OOO and also for a Yamaha restoration I'm attempting.  They are die-cut and very easy to instal as well you can design your own. 

Mine was a satin gold decal (kinda like a certain Nazareth companies) which I simply applied on the bare headplate shot finish and buffed up great!

Just ordered from best decals. Will report on my findings when they come
in.

I got mine from BelDecal

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heres the address
http://www.beldecal.com/model_decals.cfm

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Guitars, guitars and more guitars.