How are you putting custom headstock logos on?

[Pasta4lnch]

What are some options for custom logos?  Stickers?  Burning etching? I have a design in mind - or at least a concept and possible font. Mainly looking for implementation ideas...

 

[ByteFrenzy]

Yes. Both of those. And then laser engraving. Cutting out the logo with a router and inletting with contrasting wood. Or casting molten silver in the rout. Freehand painting. Laser or inkjet transfer sheet.

 

[rob91bob]

I did a pretty extensive write up on how I gold or silver leaf logos.

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=29130.0

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=29130.0

 

[Pasta4lnch]

Wow!! Great work... way beyond my skillset, but really cool!

I did a pretty extensive write up on how I gold or silver leaf logos.

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=29130.0

http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=29130.0

 

[Pasta4lnch]

Transfer paper is interesting...hadn't thought about that.  Do you think it will stay?  Maybe clear coat over?  The finish on my neck is satin so this concerns me which is why I sort of ruled stickers out. I don't want to see a shiny area that clearly says "sticker". 

Yes. Both of those. And then laser engraving. Cutting out the logo with a router and inletting with contrasting wood. Or casting molten silver in the rout. Freehand painting. Laser or inkjet transfer sheet.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

Transfer paper is interesting...hadn't thought about that.  Do you think it will stay?  Maybe clear coat over?  The finish on my neck is satin so this concerns me which is why I sort of ruled stickers out. I don't want to see a shiny area that clearly says "sticker". 

Yes. Both of those. And then laser engraving. Cutting out the logo with a router and inletting with contrasting wood. Or casting molten silver in the rout. Freehand painting. Laser or inkjet transfer sheet.

Yes, I have used a product sold for decorating model airplanes and the results were OK. But you do have to clear coat over them, which makes them more suitable if you are going to finish the neck yourself. Matching an existing finish will be a challenge, and matching a satin finish all the more so.

 

[dmraco]

I am partial to Doug's plates now.  So classy and easy
20180718_082405 by dmraco, on Flickr

 

[BigSteve22]

I've been using water slide decals. Design anything you like, and have them made to your specs. I have mine made by Rothco and Frost, https://www.rothkoandfrost.com/decals-c1/guitar-decals-c2. Their suggested application procedure, and instructions for burying it in lacquer, have produced good results for me.

This one is white text with silver filigree. I thought the white would be more opaque, but it grayed out a little against the black background. The metallic silver is just fine. If I had it to do over, I'd use gold for the text, but I'm perfectly satisfied with the way this turned out.

As you can see, their metallic gold and black are just fine.

 

[Pasta4lnch]

@DMRACO Thats nice!

@BigSteve (I'm a big Steve too!) I discovered this site today. I think, after watching some youtube clips, this might be the way I want to go.  Seeing your examples I must say the silver looks great.  I initially wanted just plain black.  My neck is roasted maple so it might be dark enough for the silver...it arrives Monday so we shall see  :toothy12:

I've been using water slide decals. Design anything you like, and have them made to your specs. I have mine made by Rothco and Frost, https://www.rothkoandfrost.com/decals-c1/guitar-decals-c2. Their suggested application procedure, and instructions for burying it in lacquer, have produced good results for me.

This one is white text with silver filigree. I thought the white would be more opaque, but it grayed out a little against the black background. The metallic silver is just fine. If I had it to do over, I'd use gold for the text, but I'm perfectly satisfied with the way this turned out.

As you can see, their metallic gold and black are just fine.

 

[Fat Pete]

Maybe this thread could be a sticky? There's a lot of useful info here about different logo approaches.

I'm revisiting as I received a message about how to go about ordering decals.

I'll add some examples of what I've tried so far.

Professionally printed by Rothko & Frost (and professionally applied):

Pro print but DIY application (on funny looking headstocks):

DIY print and application:

Alternative approach - these are printed on vinyl which is then bonded to the back of clear acrylic and laser-cut by Scratch-it! - The Original Scratchplates Company:

That's it so far, I'm hoping to try a combination of laser engraving and metal powder fill at some point.

 

[rgand]

These are all good ideas. Thanks for posting them.

 

[Kostas]

This guy makes it look easy although I have read it's not

https://youtu.be/pDAvPJV_alc?t=1m24s

 

[davegardner0]

I've made a custom waterslide decal using the printable decal paper, and then put it between layers of clear coat finish. More details here:
http://www.unofficialwarmoth.com/index.php?topic=28884.msg409311#msg409311

 

[Cagey]

Unless I use one of the Warmoth embossed stickers or nothing at all, that's what I've been doing, too. Easy enough to do, even with just rattle cans. I've even done it on roasted Maple now... just mask off everything but the headstock face. Only downside is the cure time.

 

[LP Freak]

I used a water slide decal and cleared it with a rattle can of Minwax lacquer from Lowe’s and it came out great.