Water Slide Decals

Custom Waterslide Decals for Guitar Headstocks

Water Slide Decals

Custom Waterslide Decals for Guitar Headstocks

Logo and headstock decals for guitars and basses

Application	Guitar and bass headstocks, bodies, pickguards
Base	Clear base standard, white base available
Ink	CMYK + white, metallic gold/silver options
Finish	Gloss or matte, lacquer-safe
Size	A4 sheets or custom layouts
MOQ	Flexible - small builder runs welcome
Lead Time	Samples 5-7 days, bulk 7-15 days

Request a Quote Email Us

Or call us: 0086-13617814678

Product Description

Custom waterslide decals for guitar headstocks are ultra-thin transfer decals printed with your logo, model name or serial number, designed to disappear under clear lacquer for a factory-original look. They are the standard choice for guitar builders, repair shops and brands that need authentic-looking branding on the headstock.

Why Waterslide Decals Are Standard on Guitars

Waterslide decals have been used on guitars for decades because the carrier film is thin enough to vanish once buried under clear lacquer. Vinyl stickers leave a visible raised edge and can lift over time, while waterslide film conforms to the curved headstock and blends into the finish, reproducing the look of a factory-applied logo.

What We Print

Element	Typical size	Notes
Brand logo	20-90 mm wide	Gold, silver, white, black or full color
Model name	30-60 mm wide	Script, serif or block lettering
Serial and text	Micro size	Serial numbers, scale length, origin marks
Body graphics	Custom	Stripes, pinstripes, custom artwork

Materials and Finish Compatibility

Decals are printed on premium clear waterslide film with CMYK plus white ink, and metallic gold or silver effects are available for traditional headstock logos. The film is compatible with common guitar finishes including nitrocellulose and polyurethane when applied and sealed correctly. Gloss film matches high-gloss lacquer, and matte film suits satin or oiled finishes.

Application and Sealing

Finish and level the headstock surface, then apply a thin clear coat and let it cure.
Cut out the decal, soak it in water for 20-30 seconds and slide it into position.
Blot away water, work out air bubbles and let it dry fully for at least 24 hours.
Build up several thin clear coats over the decal, allowing each coat to dry.
Level and polish the final coat so the carrier edge disappears completely.

Always test a spare decal on scrap material first, especially with nitrocellulose lacquer, because solvent strength and drying time vary between products.

For Builders, Repair Shops and Brands

We supply individual luthiers, repair shops, small guitar brands and aftermarket parts sellers. Artwork can be supplied as AI, EPS or PDF, or recreated from a photo of an existing headstock logo. Sheets can hold multiple sizes and variants so you keep spares on hand for repairs and refinishes.

How to Order

Send your logo artwork or a clear photo of the original decal, plus the sizes you need.
We quote within 24 hours and confirm base, ink and finish.
Approve a digital proof before production.
Receive sheets in 5-15 days depending on quantity.

Send your headstock artwork to sales@decalsspecialist.com, or browse our water slide decal range and clear and white base decal sheets. See also our manufacturing capability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the decal be invisible under guitar lacquer?

Yes. Clear-base waterslide film is designed to disappear once buried under clear lacquer or nitrocellulose. Apply the decal, let it dry completely, then build up thin coats of clear over it so the carrier edge melts into the finish.

Can you print metallic gold or silver logos?

Yes. Metallic gold, silver and chrome-look options are available for headstock logos, and we can also print white or black for traditional looks. Send reference images so we match the original style.

What sizes are suitable for headstock logos?

Most headstock logos run between 20 mm and 90 mm wide, and model names are usually 30-60 mm. We can lay out several sizes on one A4 sheet so you have spares and variants.

Do you print serial numbers and small text?

Yes. Registration is tight enough for micro text, serial numbers, scale length markings and country-of-origin text, which are common requirements for guitar builders and repair shops.

Is the decal safe under nitrocellulose lacquer?

Our films are compatible with common guitar finishes including nitrocellulose and polyurethane when applied correctly. Always test on a scrap piece first, and build up thin clear coats rather than one heavy coat.

What is the minimum order for guitar decals?

MOQs are flexible and small runs for individual builders are welcome. Digital printing makes 10-20 sheet batches practical, while larger runs receive better unit pricing.