Hey Swartbaard Yes you have to wet them first and wet the location where you intend to set it.The trick is to spray a few coats of clear coat on the decal paper and let it set before you place it in the water,otherwise the inkjet ink will run as soon as you wet it.The clear coat also makes the decal firmer and easier to work with.The next step after the decals dry I'd to spray a few coats of clear coat let those dry and gently work it back with either 1000 and then1200 grit sand paper.Initially the decal lines that stick out like dogs balls but with a bit of light wet sanding blend into the Finish.Oh and I used Rust oluem x2 satin coat.
Last edited by Troy murley; 04-07-2023 at 11:28 AM.
If you can, it’s best to use laser-printed decals as they don’t run when wet, but a couple of coats of clear coat are still recommended. Never underestimate the propensity for a basic decal to want to stick to itself or crinkle up and trap air bubbles. The stiffness the clear coat provides works wonders in being able to slide the decal off the backing paper and into position.
It also provides immediate mechanical protection for the decal itself. I’ve tried uncoated decals and they are quite vulnerable to being scratched. If you are a guitarist you’ve probably got longish fingernails on your picking hand and it only takes a light scrape to scratch off some ink from the decal and ruin it.
I use MicroSet, and sometimes MicroSol too, to help the decals stick firmly. These are designed to help decals for plastic model kits stick to and follow the contours of the kit and blend into the background. I feel that it helps to hide the edges of the decal, but I’ve never done any proper A/B testing myself.
Nah I'm happy with my results,three coats of clear coat on the decal paper was more than enough to make it a viable route,Inkjet decals dont run or crinkle once clear coated.Use the back of a razor blade to iron out any air bubbles and youre good to go.And the fact that I have a printer at home makes it a no brainer.If I can do it myself I will.Especially if it works
Last edited by Troy murley; 04-07-2023 at 04:48 PM.
all stock apart from Grover tuners and a hotrail humbucker in the bridge.I wasn't interested in doing a Johnny Ramone white copy,I wanted it to be it's own guitar.Pretty happy with the outcome.
Last edited by Troy murley; 17-07-2023 at 03:45 PM.
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