Remove decal

[alex1fly]

I have a knock-off Telecaster relic with a fake decal. No idea how long the decal has been there or what it's made of, but scraping it has been ineffective. Still, I'd like to remove the decal without damaging the finish, if possible. The finish is a thin amber tinted something - perhaps nitro because the entire guitar is pretty period-correct (1950s). Any thoughts?

 

[ICTGoober]

Pix, please?

 

[eclecticsynergy]

If the decal's on top of the finish and hasn't been coated with anything, naphtha might soften the film.
I assume you've already tried boiling-hot water?

If the finish is indeed nitro, most strong solvents should be avoided of course.
You might test whether it's nitro or not - spot-check at the heel or under a tuner, someplace where it wouldn't show.
If it turns out to be poly after all, lacquer thinner could be an option.

If the decal's underneath, there isn't much hope short of sanding, I'm afraid. But I'm not a finish expert.

Others may have better advice for you.

 

[alex1fly]

I haven't tried anything except manual scraping. I also put a sticker over the logo for probably 7 months (bc it looks like a very valuable old Tele but definitely is not) and when I took the sticker off a little piece of the decal came off.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

I haven't tried anything except manual scraping. I also put a sticker over the logo for probably 7 months (bc it looks like a very valuable old Tele but definitely is not) and when I took the sticker off a little piece of the decal came off.

That's encouraging - it means the decal is uncoated and not very robust.
I'd definitely try boiling water first. Then naphtha, if the hot water doesn't do it.

 

[eclecticsynergy]

Another thought - if the adhesive from a long-term sticker removed part of the decal, perhaps a stronger adhesive would do better?
Might be worth trying blackhead strips on it.

 

[alex1fly]

Gotcha. I'll give it a shot when I'm feeling zesty. Thanks!