The Finishing Touch…

The finishing touch for my guitar build is the headstock waterslide decal!

It took a while to think up a name for my “guitar company”. I had a few ideas, but nothing really stuck. Then, the name of the new era in Japan was announced as ‘Reiwa’. I liked it, and did consider it as one possibility for the name.

After something like 120 different naming ideas, it was @kyubikitsy that came up with Showa 45, which comes from the 45th year of the Showa era in Japan which is also the year of my birth. I won’t post the date here, but yeah, I’m that old.

I took some time to design a logo, and came up with the slogan “Magical Sound”, which will have more meaning at a later date.

I sent the completed artwork to a company that makes waterslide decals. These are decals that are ultra thin, and can have opaque metallic or solid colors in them. The decals are soaked in water, then you’re able to slide the decal onto the headstock. Carefully position the decal. Dab with a tissue to get excess water and air bubbles out. Wait 24 hours, then clear coat the decal with a clear lacquer coating. Use 600 grit wet/dry sandpaper and a block to smooth it out. Spray more clear coat. Wait. Spray more clear coat. Wait some more. Finally use 1000-1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper to smooth it out, then buff with a good compound and finish with a glaze, then some carnauba wax.

I finally had time to do this project this weekend and I think it came out pretty awesome.

Tape up the neck headstock. I decided to just put a gloss coat over the face.

Here’s the beautiful sheet of waterslide decals. I have enough for 5 guitars. I guess that gives me permission to make 4 more??

Soak the decal in water until it releases from the paper backing.

Position the decal, wipe off excess water and gently push any air bubbles to the edge.

The first coats of clear getting ready for sanding with 600 wet/dry sandpaper to flatten it out.

Spraying MOAR clearcoat!

Sand with 1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper and then buff with a compound, follow with glaze and then a good wax.

Finished headstock.

Tuner grommets added.