Clearcoating Signatures?

[Low End Scum]

Heyo TB! Was wondering if y'all had any advice on this weird situation I've got goin. A few years back I crossed paths with one of my fav Aussie bands out in Deep Ellum before a show. I happened to have my '62 AVRI's Bridge Cover on me (because I am a weirdo). They signed it which was rad as their bassist used the big F on it as the start of her name (Fiona).

Anyways, I've still got it and they haven't been accidentally scuffed off yet. I'd like to prevent that from happening though. Do you have any recommendations on a clear coat or something that can be applied to cover over the sharpie without wetting it so much that they just bleed off and leave me with a weird smudgy grey mess. I plan to get some compressed air and get some of the dust off before hand but otherwise I'm a total noob for this kinda stuff.

 

[turf3]

I can't tell you what will, or won't work, but I can say that the risk is that the solvents in whatever you try to coat it with, may dissolve the ink.

If it was a Sharpie on a polished chrome surface, get a Sharpie, some stainless steel spoons from the kitchen drawer, and try stuff out before you do it to the real thing.

If the part is flat or only simply curved, you can get clear adhesive Mylar. But that won't work on compound curves.

 

[Stewie26]

Get some clear 2" wide packing tape. Cut a little over size and laminate it over the signature.

 

[sleddogn]

Might just need to retire that cover, make a nice shadowbox to display it in maybe?

 

[Low End Scum]

Might just need to retire that cover, make a nice shadowbox to display it in maybe?

Oh, it's totally retired. It lives on a shelf with various other signed music related memorabilia. I just worry about the dust, cleaning, and smudging. Hadn't considered putting the tape over them. I very well may go for that if I can't find a solution that just coats/covers the whole thing

 

[sleddogn]

I'd really try something besides tape. It will eventually yellow and start to look bad imo.....good luck with it though

 

[Low End Scum]

I'd really try something besides tape. It will eventually yellow and start to look bad imo.....good luck with it though

True. It had been suggested in the past to try dusting it with a clear sealing spray and just giving it a lot of time between applicaitons so it didn't get too moist. Research will continue!

 

[Joeywhat]

You can get clear coat at any hardware store. I don't see a need for automotive grade quality, get the crystal clear clearcoat can and follow the directions.

 

[Low End Scum]

You can get clear coat at any hardware store. I don't see a need for automotive grade quality, get the crystal clear clearcoat can and follow the directions.

I figured, I just wasn't sure if it'd be too wet in application and smudge things as I've not done this before

 

[sleddogn]

maybe do a simulated test on another piece of similar metal and sharpie?

 

[T_Bone_TL]

If the signature is in sharpie, a waterbased clearcoat over it should not disturb it.

Shellac (alcohol is the solvent) would be a very bad choice, by contrast. I know alcohol affects sharpie drastically. I would guess that most petro-solvent-based clears would be extremely risky as well, but have no experience with the combination.

But testing on something non-critical is always advisable for any finish process.

 

[buldog5151bass]

Might just need to retire that cover, make a nice shadowbox to display it in maybe?

This. In a frame, it would look great in a music room.

 

[Low End Scum]

Many thanks yall, box arrived and I think this sorts it!

 

[sleddogn]

Well done, looks museum bound...

 

[fhm555]

Might just need to retire that cover, make a nice shadowbox to display it in maybe?

Yep, replace it and display it.