Making Guitar Peghead Decals

Fret Not Decal

I make peghead decals for instruments I make and customize but do not offer it as a mail order type of service. Graphics design can be a very time consuming and highly personal undertaking and my time is simply better spent. So in response to those who frequently ask me....here's how I do it.

I normally use Adobe Photoshop or Printmaster software (see below) to design my graphic. I print several samples using various font sizes. I use these samples to determine what font size, spacing and shape complements the shape of the peghead best. Once I've got my design down I print the graphic on clear water slide decal paper using an ordinary inkjet printer. Inkjet printer? Yes, the trick is to overspray the printed decal with lacquer which seals the ink and makes it waterproof...skip that step and you'll have a runny mess on your hands once the decal is immersed in water.  I spray a thin first coat so the ink does not run or bleed and then apply one or two more coats to insure it is completely covered and ready for soaking. It's just like applying a model car decal as you can slide the decal around until the perfect location is found.
After the decal is in place, pat it gently to flatten it out and remove bubbles and then let it dry. You can then apply lacquer over the peghead if you like to smooth the surface and further protect the decal. The picture above shows the decal in place prior to overspraying the peghead and you can see the edges of the decal thickness, that will disappear once the peghead is sprayed as a whole.
Because printers do not print in white, those needing a white decal can purchase white decal paper.

For those of you who are graphically challenged T & L Ink also offers a simple decal for use on pegheads. Click on their logo for more info.