guitar

During a concert or workshop, you had a legendary performer sign your guitar. After such an honour, you'll want to have that autograph on display for the rest of your life. But what can be done to ensure that it doesn't eventually fade?

Applying a clear acrylic coat and then finishing it with clear polyurethane lacquer is the best-looking and longest-lasting option for keeping a signature on your guitar. As a result, you have a smooth surface that is just as attractive as the original and that successfully shields the autograph from harm.

Besides that, you may follow these guidelines to ensure the longevity of your guitar's prized autograph.

1. Smoothen the Surface with Sandpaper

Get rid of the pickguard from the guitar if the signature is on it. To prevent damage to a signature that is painted directly onto the body, you should first take off the pickups, bridge, pickguard, control knobs, and anything else that could be damaged. In addition, use masking tape or painter's tape to seal any holes you find.

Using 400 or 600 grit sandpaper, gently smooth the area around the signature. Sand as near as you can without destroying the autograph.

Here, you want to eliminate the gloss but not the paint. Lightly sand the entire surface except for the autograph itself.

2. Get Rid of the Dust

The next step is to use a wax and grease remover to get rid of the sanding dust. Separate it from the autograph at all costs. It'll run the risk of erasing the ink. It's sufficient to just clean the sanded parts.

3. Apply an Adhesive Spray

Before applying the clear polyurethane layer, make sure the surface is properly prepared by applying a thin coat of adhesion promoter. Spray in short, sweeping motions from side to side, keeping the nozzle about 8 to 10 inches from the surface. Wait two to three hours for it to dry before moving on.

When dealing with the pickguard or any hard, glossy surface, the use of an adhesion enhancer is essential.

4. Coat It with a Layer of Clear Acrylic

Spray on a coat of acrylic clear coating after your adhesion promoter has dried. The autograph's ink won't smear this way. The drying time for clear polyurethane lacquer is typically around 24 hours.

5. Finish with a Coat of Clear Polyurethane Lacquer

You need to know what you're doing before handling lacquers that contain solvents because they can be fatal.

If you insist on applying the polyurethane lacquer yourself, be sure to take all precautions. Gloves and a full-face mask for breathing protection are required. If you want the best results, apply in a room with plenty of fresh air.

Use two or three passes back and forth across the surface to ensure an equal coating is applied. Before transferring it, let it cure for three to four weeks in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Wait at least six to eight weeks before picking up the guitar again; the wait will be well worth it.

Prepare in Advance for an Autographed Guitar

Here's a feasible alternate route you may want to consider. You can avoid having to go through this procedure if you take certain steps before obtaining that signature.

Don't bring a black marker if you're planning on meeting someone famous and getting their autograph. Fading black ink turns brown and is less appealing than other colours.

It's also important to carefully consider the spot where your idol will leave their signature. The metal backplate or pickguard should be removed and taken with you if at all possible. Both are more portable than a full guitar and can be used in place of it.

To protect an autograph on the backplate, simply apply a transparent coating over it. You should save the pickguard for show purposes if you decide to get it signed. You can always purchase a replacement guitar.

Conclusion

Coating your guitar to preserve that autograph in the manner described above can be done in a way that is aesthetically pleasing and does not lower the value of your instrument.

No coating may be necessary if the guitar will never be played and will instead be displayed. It should be good if you keep it in a UV-resistant case. Just to be safe, though, you can put a thin coating of transparent acrylic lacquer on the surface.

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