[Mastodon]

Wasn't too sure of where to put this....so I'm putting it here.

I got the idea to decal my guitar and make it a Pink-Panther themed guitar. My plan is to put a soft or hot pink Ibanez headstock logo over the current one (Headstock Decal ) and then put a pink panther peaking around the corner decal behind the bridge (to make it look as if he is peaking from around the bridge). I was also considering putting one of those other 2 decals somewhere.

I emailed there support center asking whether this would be a good idea and their response was "Hi,

I think that would make for a wonderful theme! And I do want pictures once you're done!

So long as you clear coat, our decals can be installed most anywhere smooth and clean. "

Now I know jack SQUAT about applying paint, sealer, or any kind of coating to a guitar (though I sure would love to apprentice with a luthier and learn).

So my questions are:

Dosn't my guitar already contain a clear coat?

Are decals supposed to be installed before the clear coat is applied?

If the above is true, is it too late for me get these decals/ is it possible for the clear coat to be removed, decals installed, and then clear coat reapplied?

If I attempted this myself, are the chances of me ruining it high if it is my first time doing it and should I take it to a professional instead?

If I should take it to a pro. what do you think that would run me?

Somewhat lengthy post...but any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Digital Black]

A clear coat over the top would make it truely permenent. Other wise it could be dinged up of scraped off.
I don't think this is really a nescessity unless your a perfectionist..

[Metal Ken]

You can clear coat over everything to make it last is what they're saying. Like seph said, you dont HAVE to , but it would be better in the long run.

[Scott]

Originally Posted by Sephiroth000

I don't think this is really a nescessity unless your a perfectionist..

Yeah, Your strings cover most of the decal 95% of the time anyway.

[Mastodon]

Originally Posted by Scott

Yeah, Your strings cover most of the decal 95% of the time anyway.

Yeah, but I plan on putting one on the body as well.

And thanks for the feedback guys.

[darren]

Unless it's going to be on an area that gets a lot of friction (armrest or picking area) you probably don't need a clearcoat to protect it. Just buy a few decals so if it fades or peels, you can just replace it.

Vinyl decals tend to be pretty durable anyway, so they'll probably be just fine without being clearcoated.

[fathead]

I had a decal made for the body of my Charvel Fusion Deluxe many years ago and had no wear problems at all. I pulled it off a year ago after I got sick of it and it didn't even leave a mark. Just stick them down and when you get sick of it just carefully peel them off.

[Mastodon]

Yeah they guarentee them for 5 years and by then I might want a different look anyway...though I'm kinda a pack-rat type of person who dosn't like to change many things.

While on the subject, I noticed in the gallery the picture of the RG which was stripped to the basswood and then had a finish put over it. That thing is absolutely beautiful, I had read that leaving the basswood exposed looked nice.
So do any of you recommend any particular shops for doing this incase I decided I wanted it done sometime in the future (I'm particularly looking for an answer from you Norther Virginia folk).