Preserving A Signature On Headstock?

[satchurator]

Hi all,

I might have an opportunity to have my Warmoth neck headstock signed by my favorite artist.
The neck is maple and already finished with Warmoth's clear satin.

I've been assuming I'd do this:
* Clean the surface beforehand
* Use a fresh black sharpie
* Mask all but the headstock face
* Cover with one or two coats of clear satin (within a few days)
* Finish with a light buffing

Any other advice on capturing and preserving a signature on the headstock?

Thanks!

Chris

 

[bagman67]

I would prepare a sample with whatever finish is on your headstock (pretty sure it's satin nitro), use the pen you'll be handing your idol to sign your guitar on the sample, and try it out.  You might try spraying shellac between the signature and the satin topcoat.  Shellac is a pretty non-reactive sealer and interfaces well between a wide variety of finishes.

 

[satchurator]

I'm certain that Warmoth use poly, not nitro, so I'd use a poly based clear coat. I wouldn't have the exact same product in order to do a perfect test, but doing a dry-run is a good idea. Thanks @Bagman67!

 

[sixstringsamurai]

Also when you get the sharpie get and industrial strength on, it has red lettering instead of the traditional black.
These SOB's are HARDCORE, so far as they will write on wet plastic fish tubs and remain legible.

 

[gjacob]

Make sure you scuff the topcoat with 600-1000 grit before, to give the new clear something to stick to.  I love SprayMax 2K, and that would be a good finish to put on top.  Sharpie makes an oil-based paint pen (found at Walmart, etc), that works great.

 

[fdesalvo]

Make them sign the back of the head stock, unless you plan on keeping the guitar forever.