Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

[Greyum]

I have a Logo I want to place on a guitar I'm making, wondering options that have worked for other people?

Initially my plan was to "burn" the logo on with a thermal stylus (think fancy soldering gun) right on the wood, but that's a 1-shot after test pieces so no mistakes.

Wondering if anyone has done that before with good results?
Suggest post-burn treatments?
Is there a better/easier way?

Thanks

 

[Nickmag01]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

I have a Logo I want to place on a guitar I'm making, wondering options that have worked for other people?

Initially my plan was to "burn" the logo on with a thermal stylus (think fancy soldering gun) right on the wood, but that's a 1-shot after test pieces so no mistakes.

Wondering if anyone has done that before with good results?
Suggest post-burn treatments?
Is there a better/easier way?

Thanks

It May be a bit pricey, but you can get some custom waterslide decals made and clear coat over it. This will look professional and last forever.

Sent from my SM-G935T using Tapatalk

 

[AlexR]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

Decals or inlay has worked for most makers.
The burn method would really only be great if you had a pre-fabricated stamp.....like Warmoth do for their wood products.

edit - you can buy waterslide paper for your printer IIRC.

 

[BriGuy1968]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

I ordered a custom waterslide decal online from some guy I found on Reverb.com and it came out pretty good. Only cost me around $20 if I recall correctly.

 

[dave74]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

EVH has some ,,,,,,,says they work on anything,,,,,,,no charge.

 

[Godin15]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

I ordered a custom waterslide decal online from some guy I found on Reverb.com and it came out pretty good. Only cost me around $20 if I recall correctly.

Looks good my friend!

 

[Name]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

Waterslide decals are the best way to go in my opinion.

 

[MikeRocker]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

Waterslide decals are the best way to go in my opinion.

+1 They've worked perfectly for me on the 7 guitars I've put together. You can get them for either a laser or inkjet printer at a hobby store. Also easy to remove if you make a mistake. I finished the guitars with nitro, you need to apply lots of light coats over the decal at first and gradually build up. After sanding and buffing, the end result looks just as good as anything you'd see from Fender, etc.

 

[Greyum]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

Okay, so Waterslide Decals it is, for printing with Inkjet with clear background, what is suggested?

- On Black Walnut
- On Maple Veneer

Both stained finished with Tru-Oil (stained before, tru-oil finish afterwards).

 

[greekdude]

Re: Options for Applying a Logo to a Guitar (DIY Build)

Okay, so Waterslide Decals it is, for printing with Inkjet with clear background, what is suggested?

- On Black Walnut
- On Maple Veneer

Both stained finished with Tru-Oil (stained before, tru-oil finish afterwards).

On light-colored woods you'd want transparent waterslides. For dark woods you'd want white background. IMHO if you have access to laser printer, use this. Laser-printer decals need to varnish to protect the image/letters/logo. Inkjet do. I am not referring to the clear coat on your headstock (this is a must either way), but to the actual paper.