1. Cut around the decal to your desired size and shape with sharp scissors or professional craft knife.

 

2. Make sure your guitar headstock is sanded and at least 1 or 2 coats of lacquer/clearcoat has been applied to seal the wood. DO NOT APPLY DECALS ONTO OPEN SANDED WOOD! Always coat first. Place the decal into a bowl of water. It takes around 30/40 seconds for the backing paper to start to slip away from the decal.

 

3. Remove from water with the backing still on. Place your decal onto the surface of your project. (place a small amount of water on to the project area for ease of movement). Then start to slip away the backing whilst gently applying the decal with your thumbs. The decal is at its most fragile at this point. Once positioned gently remove the water from under and around the decal using tissue paper or a decal sponge. Your decal will start to stick and harden after a few minutes.

 

4. Leave to dry over night before handling.

 

5. Apply even coats of laquer (clear coat paint) now over the headstock. Apply first coat and leave to dry for around 15/20 minutes, then apply further coats (5 coats or more depending on your desired finish). Leave to dry over night.

 

6.Once the clear coat has dried, gently rub down with 1200 wet and dry paper for a perfectly flat, smooth edgeless professional finish.