Waterslide decal on wipe-on poly

[Ian Davlin The Looth Group]

This is speculation, but you could spray on, with a rattle can if you are using wipe on to avoid spray gear, a coat just thick enough to set the decal in place and provide a barrier. In general though, those decals are so delicate, even just wiping a paper towel over them is dicey. If you are spraying over poly, make sure you scuff before whatever is your next move.

[Danny da Cruz [da Cruz Guitars]]

Thank you Ian. And do you mean scuff the spray on poly after I spray it over the decal, or scuff the poly before putting the decal and spraying it with poly. I hope I’m being clear 🙂

[Ian Davlin The Looth Group]

Ideally both. Polly needs abrasion for adhesion. If you’re concerned about scuffing leading to a weird decal situation, I’d just strip the face of the peghead and start over. No scuff, is really dicey.

[Danny da Cruz [da Cruz Guitars]]

Thanks very much Ian.

[Bryan Parris Parris Guitars]

I think you would probably rub the decal off if you aren’t careful. I use a lot of wipe on poly, but have learned to use spray poly on the headstocks if there is a decal. I use Minwax fast-drying poly under and over the decal. You can use wipe on everywhere else…and I also like the minwax wipe on. It’s my secret weapon! I keep satin and gloss on hand

[Danny da Cruz [da Cruz Guitars]]

Thanks Bryan! That sounds sensible — will get some spray on. I also used Minwax wipe-on on the two guitars I have built and it went well — until I realised the issue with slide on decals. Thanks for sharing your experience.