Drew's ES-5V first (ish) build

[blinddrew]

I was just wondering about how it would look if it was mounted on a slightly wet surface? I'm thinking a thin smear of diluted truoil.
Anyone tried that?

[Simon Barden]

It's not as clear as decal paper would be, but even that would still be slightly noticeable from some angles. Less the transmitted light (as it's transparent at some angles), than the backing medium reflects light differently to the wood.

[wazkelly]

Only other way would be Dedman's iron on method where from memory he prints the decal in reverse on grease proof paper and then uses a conventional iron to transfer image onto the headstock, thus only the lettering appears, not the backing. Once dry probably best to apply a very light couple of coats of clear acrylic spray and then back onto the TO if you think it needs a bit more.

Cheers, Waz

[blinddrew]

On further inspection this morning I wasn't happy with the cut or the placement either so I've removed it. I'd lined it up along the centre-line but the nature of the text (particularly the capital T and L) mean that with the centre aligned the edges look wrong. I'm going to need to play a bit more carefully. This time I shall be printing 4 copies though...
I'm kind of loathe to spend a tenner on decal paper from which I shall use about one square inch but i am approaching the point where I shall have to make a decision.
Cheers folks.

[blinddrew]

I was just wondering about how it would look if it was mounted on a slightly wet surface? I'm thinking a thin smear of diluted truoil.
Anyone tried that?

For those playing along at home, don't try this. Whilst it initially seems to give the desired effect, it also causes the ink to run.
Which is not the desired effect.

[DarkMark]

Getting back to the Rothko & Frost decals, suggest giving them a light acrylic spray from on top that way it helps to seal in what has been created. Be careful not to layer things up too much as that does introduce a noticeable edge under the top coats.

From my wipe on poly thread in finishing your guitar.

[blinddrew]

Think I've got a reasonable take this time. Will have a proper shufti when i get home.

[blinddrew]

So, I think I'm pretty much there with the finish. Copy-paper polish tomorrow and then I'm looking at gluing it together I think.





Front of the headstock needs another 3000 rub and a few more coats and the pick guard still need work but we're good to move onto the next stage I think.
About which I am a little nervous.

[Simon Barden]

Looking great, Drew. You will probably want to touch up round the neck join with Tru-Oil, so it might be worth holding off the final polish until after you've done that. The longer you wait as well for the Tru-Oil to harden, the better it will be.

[blinddrew]

Yep, I have a nice fine-ish paintbrush for the join.
One question that has occurred to me though: when it comes to removing the masking tape from the heel of the neck, is there any risk that it will pull the oil away? Should i make a razor cut along the edge of the tape before trying to remove it?