Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi
Dont know if anyone uses decals.. had some with my name done (not cablepuller ) doing some practices on a spare piece of ebony and the results are crappy
Can see the decal clearly after oiling or spaying nitro... it seems to be more about the underside of the decal going a bit misty/opaque against the dark ebony plate rather than the edges showing.

Is this normal as ive only done 4-5 coats over top of decal but stopped as its still rubbish looking

Not happy to put on guitar until I know

Thanks

I inlay my guitar pegheads with pearl, but I have done some decal work for customers. Did you finish the Ebony before applying the decal? I think part of getting an invisible decal is preparation. Seal and topcoat the Ebony first, allow to cure, wet sand and buff to gloss, and then apply the decal. Build more clear coats and then wet sand and buff again. I've only used this process on Maple but the results are excellent. I don't think you'll be able to use an oil finish with decals.

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It will probably be alright.

Are we talking waterslide labels? If so for it to blend in well there needs to be a finish base.

Sent from my SGH-T599 using Tapatalk

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Another day, another dollar.

Yes Shaw waterslide... the practice runs i did didnt have a great finish under them,more of a smooth base coat
Cheers