Waterslide decal on Goncalo Avles

[nikosss.b]

Dear all,

I hope to get some help as I have found various sources online and none really answer my question clearly. I have a Goncalo Avles neck from Warmoth, it's unfinished clearly. I want  to apply a water decal to the headstock. And since water decals do not stick to bare wood, I will have to coat the headstock before applying the decal and then apply some more coats to the decal.

My question is: what steps should I follow in order to do that? What solution to use (shellac, lacquer, gloss, etc.)? Do I need a grain filler before applying the first coat? Do i need to polish after the decal is applied? 

Thanks in advance!

 

[nikosss.b]

No reply  ??? Help please!

 

[stratamania]

It's unlikely you will need a grain filler or shellac.

I don't own a Goncalo Alves neck so the below is a general guide.

Lightly sand the area with 320 /400.

Mask off the areas of the neck that you don't want to apply finish to first.

Then apply a couple of coats of lacquer, let it dry for a day or so.

Apply the decal.

Let it dry for a day or so.

Spray a very light mist coat over the decal. Let it dry for an hour or so.
Spray a a second light misty coat.
Now the decal should have enough lacquer on it so additional lacquer won't react with it.
Build up about three Coats of three passes over three days.
Let it dry about a week.
Flat sand with lubricated wet and dry say 600 - 1500, being careful not to get water into the tuner holes. I put shop towel in there so it wicks any moisture. You also want to avoid a sand through. If you've applied enough lacquer this is less likely.

Then buff out by hand with some compound.