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Removing Bad Decals

Discussion in 'Luthier's Corner' started by Brozzy, Jul 16, 2017.

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  1. Jul 16, 2017 #1
    Brozzy

    Brozzy

    Oct 2, 2016
    South Delta, British Columbia
    I am pondering purchasing a bass that is clearly not a genuine Fender Jazz Bass. One of the previous owners put a quite-good Jazz Bass decal on the headstock. I do not want to perpetuate the fraud. So what is the best way to remove such a decal?
     
  2. Jul 16, 2017 #2
    RSBBass

    RSBBass

    Jun 11, 2011
    NYC
    Others who know more are bound to chime in. One aspect is if the decal has had finish over it. If so the finish has to be removed. At that point you may as well sand the decal off and re-finish the area. If it hasn't you may be able to just scrape it off with a sharp scraper.
     
  3. Jul 16, 2017 #3
    tangentmusic

    tangentmusic A figment of our exaggeration

    Aug 17, 2007
    Reno/Tahoe
    Remove the strings and tuners.
    Sand the entire headstock down to bare wood, taking the decal off in the process.
    Refinish with lacquer of your choice.
     
  4. Jul 17, 2017 #4
    Brozzy

    Brozzy

    Oct 2, 2016
    South Delta, British Columbia
    Somebody suggested using a portable hair dryer to heat the area to melt the decal glue and use tweezers to try to lift the decal off. Even possible?
     
  5. Jul 19, 2017 #5
    sissy kathy

    sissy kathy Back to Bass-ics Gold Supporting Member

    Apr 21, 2014
    Arbutus, MD
    No the tweezers won't work with heat. Water may if the decal isn't well sealed under a finish though. I'd follow @RSBBass and @tangentmusic's advice and just sand it off and then redo the headstock, and I HATE sanding.
     
    Last edited: Jul 19, 2017