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Rich68 · February 24th, 2012, 10:14 AM

I just received a sweet neck from Warmoth in Goncalo Alves for a rustic Barncaster La Cabro style guitar I am working on. Pics to follow once it's not simply a pile of parts.

All I read about this wood has proved true - it feels great with absolutely no finish. However, I have a question for the experienced folks here -- I want to have some decals made to highlight my work and show that it's my build. It raises a question for me - will a waterslide apply (and stick) to the headstock, or should I be putting some sort of finish on the headstock?

JBennett · February 24th, 2012, 02:12 PM

Hmmm. Not really sure about that. I was always under the impression that even a thin coat of oil will help keep your neck straight. Maybe a myth? As for the decal, I think you really will want a finish on the headstock. The wood is really porous and the decals wants a smooth surface to stick too. I've stuck some decals on raw wood as a test and they always look kind of crappy, like there is air trapped under them. They don't get that strong vaccum adhesian.

Rich68 · February 24th, 2012, 05:09 PM

As for keeping the neck straight, Warmoth warrants this species even without a finish (they do not do so for the usual maple, etc - buying without a finish comes with no warranty), and they go so far as to stress that you'll want to play this one bare. . .we'll see!

As for the decal, this wood is pretty slick and hard - it almost seems like it's non-porous, though of course, we know it is. As it comes together, I will have to decide what to do. Might just try it. . .if it looks bad, it can be removed - especially easy on a finish-less headstock, no?

JBennett · February 24th, 2012, 05:54 PM

Well... I say test it out. maybe on the neck heel where you won't have to worry about sanding again if you're not happy with it and it's hard to remove. Maybe try using white vinegar over the decal to get it to sink into what pores might be there? Again, test on a hidden spot in the pocket in case it colors the wood at all.

Colt W. Knight · February 24th, 2012, 06:20 PM

Applied this decal on a neck with just a coat of teak oil. It was almost like putting it on bare wood. I wouldn't try putting it on bare wood. Sand to at least 400 grit, then give it a few wipes with oil.

Of course, I finished just the headstock afterwards though.

Shepherd · February 24th, 2012, 09:44 PM

If you don't seal it first your probably going to end up with air bubbles under the decal. Plus you will get an even finish on the headstock instead of possibly having a darker area under the decal.

Rich68 · February 25th, 2012, 12:04 AM

Thanks for the responses, they give me a bunch of things to consider -- and good point about the "darker under the decal."

reddirtmedic · February 25th, 2012, 12:42 AM

take it and have it laser engraved like they do on louisville sluggers. I think that would be kinda cool and as a bonus wouldn't have to apply a finish. JMHO

reddirtmedic · February 25th, 2012, 12:45 AM

also a bonus you never have to woory about it wearing off or flaking off later

Rich68 · February 25th, 2012, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reddirtmedic

take it and have it laser engraved like they do on louisville sluggers. I think that would be kinda cool and as a bonus wouldn't have to apply a finish. JMHO

That is a really cool idea, especially considering the rest of the vibe of this guitar. I am going to look into this option.

February 24th, 2012, 10:14 AM	#1 (permalink)
Rich68 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW CT Posts: 133	Decal on "naked neck" I just received a sweet neck from Warmoth in Goncalo Alves for a rustic Barncaster La Cabro style guitar I am working on. Pics to follow once it's not simply a pile of parts. All I read about this wood has proved true - it feels great with absolutely no finish. However, I have a question for the experienced folks here -- I want to have some decals made to highlight my work and show that it's my build. It raises a question for me - will a waterslide apply (and stick) to the headstock, or should I be putting some sort of finish on the headstock?

February 24th, 2012, 06:20 PM	#5 (permalink)
Colt W. Knight Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Tucson, AZ Age: 29 Posts: 18,923	Applied this decal on a neck with just a coat of teak oil. It was almost like putting it on bare wood. I wouldn't try putting it on bare wood. Sand to at least 400 grit, then give it a few wipes with oil. Of course, I finished just the headstock afterwards though. __________________ the now mandatory =====>

February 25th, 2012, 12:42 AM	#8 (permalink)
reddirtmedic Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: ardmore Oklahoma Posts: 137	take it and have it laser engraved like they do on louisville sluggers. I think that would be kinda cool and as a bonus wouldn't have to apply a finish. JMHO __________________ *All bleeding stops eventually*

February 25th, 2012, 12:45 AM	#9 (permalink)
reddirtmedic Tele-Meister Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: ardmore Oklahoma Posts: 137	also a bonus you never have to woory about it wearing off or flaking off later __________________ *All bleeding stops eventually*

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February 24th, 2012, 02:12 PM	#2 (permalink)
JBennett Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Age: 35 Posts: 1,562	Hmmm. Not really sure about that. I was always under the impression that even a thin coat of oil will help keep your neck straight. Maybe a myth? As for the decal, I think you really will want a finish on the headstock. The wood is really porous and the decals wants a smooth surface to stick too. I've stuck some decals on raw wood as a test and they always look kind of crappy, like there is air trapped under them. They don't get that strong vaccum adhesian.

February 24th, 2012, 05:09 PM	#3 (permalink)
Rich68 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW CT Posts: 133	As for keeping the neck straight, Warmoth warrants this species even without a finish (they do not do so for the usual maple, etc - buying without a finish comes with no warranty), and they go so far as to stress that you'll want to play this one bare. . .we'll see! As for the decal, this wood is pretty slick and hard - it almost seems like it's non-porous, though of course, we know it is. As it comes together, I will have to decide what to do. Might just try it. . .if it looks bad, it can be removed - especially easy on a finish-less headstock, no?

February 24th, 2012, 05:54 PM	#4 (permalink)
JBennett Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Brooklyn, NY Age: 35 Posts: 1,562	Well... I say test it out. maybe on the neck heel where you won't have to worry about sanding again if you're not happy with it and it's hard to remove. Maybe try using white vinegar over the decal to get it to sink into what pores might be there? Again, test on a hidden spot in the pocket in case it colors the wood at all.

February 24th, 2012, 09:44 PM	#6 (permalink)
Shepherd Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Maple Ridge, Canada Posts: 4,018 14 Photos	If you don't seal it first your probably going to end up with air bubbles under the decal. Plus you will get an even finish on the headstock instead of possibly having a darker area under the decal.

February 25th, 2012, 12:04 AM	#7 (permalink)
Rich68 Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: NW CT Posts: 133	Thanks for the responses, they give me a bunch of things to consider -- and good point about the "darker under the decal."

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