How to Apply Fender Guitar Decals
- 1). Using a pair of sharp scissors, cut around the decal to make it small enough to fit on the headstock of your Fender guitar or bass. Fender uses waterslide decals on all of their guitars. You can get replacement decals from the company if you provide them with a little information about your guitar, which will allow them to send you the correct decal.
- 2). Set the decal in a small amount of water. Leave in the water for approximately 90 seconds. If you leave it in too long, the decal will separate from its backing on its own and may become useless.
- 3). Apply a drop of water to the area where you will apply the decal. This allows you to move the decal into the exact place after you have slid it onto the headstock.
- 4). Place the decal over the area where you want it to go and slowly slide it onto the headstock while removing the backing at the same time. You want to accomplish this process smoothly to avoid air bubbles or creases in the decal. By sliding it onto the surface of the headstock while simultaneously removing the back, you can accomplish this task without much hassle.
- 5). Move the decal to its desired location by sliding it carefully with your index finger. As guidance, you can use a picture or another guitar to position the new decal in the correct spot. If it is not in the right spot, people may not purchase the guitar if you ever decide to sell it. Many counterfeiters use aftermarket decals to re-brand Fender Squiers as vintage Fender models, so collectors are very detail-oriented.
- 6). Blot the decal with a dry cloth to help it dry. By drying it right away, you can prevent the decal from moving after you have attached it. Allow the decal to dry for 24 hours before touching it.
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