Greetings,

I am looking to finish a guitar neck with some shellac and then apply some graphics using this method here:

http://www.cigarboxguitars.co.uk/how-to-make-a-basic-cigar-box-guitar-adding-logos-and-finishing-the-neck.html

I am under the assumption that using oils will make this difficult, and lacquer needs a little more ventilation than shellac. Here is my problem - What kind of de-waxed shellac do I use? Zinnser was the one I was looking for but am unable to find a quart can in Toronto Canada that is available, and am concerned the Waxed will not allow the graphic transfer method to work correctly.

Anyone tried this or had experience with something similar?

Thanks in advance.

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  • I saw this technique used with inkjet transparency film...  Nothing to wash away.  If you're using paper, laser printers work good as the toner isn't water soluble...

    You can also use a hot-iron process with laser printing, but a household iron isn't hot enough...

  • if you are printing on transfer paper the image will need to be fixed so the ink won't run, you can buy artist's fixative spray and the transfer will stick without smudging, but best to use spray lacquer otherwise shellac might react with the fixative, or try it, maybe it won't, all the fun of guitar building! (-;

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  • I've tried this method on bare wood.  I don't know for sure, but I can't imagine it makes a difference what kind of shellac or finishing product you use as I believe its the gel medium that takes up the ink, not the finish.  I will tell you the most difficult part is the paper removal without affecting the image.  I actually found this to be near impossible, but I think the more care and time your take the better success you'll have.

    • The paper is tricky yes, the secret I believe is to use crap paper that will get soggy and rub away easy. If it's sheeny, it won't get wet and peel away as easy. I've done this on canvas but never tried on a guitar yet. The reason I wanted to use shellac was so I could apply more overtop of the graphic as well as the box including the labels. I guess I left that part out. Apologies.
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