Waterslide decal to repair a guitar finish!

Chelsea Clark shows Dan Erlewine a clever trick: turning our aerosol guitar finish into a waterslide decal. This makes a great spot repair on this 25-year-old StewMac Dreadnought.
About the paper Chelsea’s using: search online for "waterslide decal paper" or visit this link, www.decalpaper....
About the guitar in this video: This guitar was built from our StewMac Dreadnought Kit 25 years ago.
If you have questions, please contact us through our webpage www.stewmac.com... or visit our Facebook page / stewmac
ColorTone Tinted Aerosol Guitar Lacquer
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Prevail Spray Unit
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ColorTone Liquid Stains
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Acoustic Guitar Kit
www.stewmac.com...
Aerosol Spray Nozzles
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Behlen Nitrocellulose Lacquer
www.stewmac.com...

[@Sungodv]

Dan is a national treasure

[@outoworkdreamer]

Agreed. I wish they had time to do jobs for long distance customers. A good luthier is so hard to find.

[@theothertonydutch]

Better watch out for Nicholas Cage then.

[@tributeborn6036]

LOL

[@friedrichbahk5675]

I agree. Who do to disagree this?

[@oatnoid]

So is that hair do. Is that a decal too?

[@markfreemantle7608]

It is a joy to watch people who clearly love what they do. Thanks for sharing you talent, time, and video.

[@housearrestband]

I agree...how great is it that they make a living doing what they love and are passionate about....

[@Mega_trav]

I feel so lucky that Chelsea taught me how to set up guitars and got me on my journey of being a tech

[@AleArzMusic]

02:47 meanwhile outside, somebody's car has suddenly become yellow

[@rarch1968]

I remember seeing pics of Chelsea doing repairs in Guitar Player as part of Dan's Mod Squad. Nice to see she's now running her own business. It looks like she does great work.

[@telefunkenyou47]

I still have that magazine. She had long sleeves and I think some art work on her Strat. I forget what the mod was.

[@robp4929]

I have an old guitar player magazine that had an article with Dan and some of his students and Chelsea. Was one of them very young at the time. Funny to see her grown with her own shop. Makes me feel very old.

[@CarlosaFernandeza]

And then some alizarin crimson with a little titanium hwite, there... there

[@sadface]

strum the devil out of it

[@robertkelly1434]

Eye of newt, toe of frog, something something, hair of dog... 😏😏😏

[@racpa5]

The real masters are great teachers. They always share.

[@shakezulamicruler]

i could watch this dude for days

[@housemana]

broh, bugger the old man, that beautiful luthier..

[@michaelallen1930]

Lol right?

[@aidensnyder247]

And I do

[@tisbonus]

HOUSE OF MANA yeah, she is beautiful!

[@geetarislife2843]

One of my favorite youtube channels the guy is an expert at geetar working

[@daveogarf]

This is a BRILLIANT solution! Please have Chelsea back more!

[@Auen73]

Such skill, knowledge, & talent.

[@michaelinglis8516]

That's actually a really cool tip! I use waterslide decal paper for my headstock logos but I never thought about using them like this. It really got the wheels turning!

[@larrykeilman]

I am so glad that Stew-Mac and Dan have this channel. I greatly miss the articles in Guitar Player...which I stopped reading a while back. These videos are a great resource in addition to Dan's books! Great to see Chelsea again, too!

[@ginoames]

Larry Keilman Dan currently has a column in Vintage Guitar.

[@nickboxer7147]

Before this channel, I never knew of the possibilities of repairing guitars. Pretty much everything I worry about seems to have a solution.

[@RumbleFish69]

Forget this guitar, now I want to see cousin David's painted car!

[@markmelville6670]

Class act. I love that he keeps it clean.

[@acolby69]

This was fantastic! I'm speechless.

[@dominicsovereign4020]

The series of videos released by Stewmac has inspired me to pursue becoming a luthier.

[@j.d.schultzsr.9215]

Maybe, instead, you should try extreme skateboarding while you're still young.

[@dominicsovereign4020]

J. D. Schultz, Sr. I’d much rather retain the integrity of my knee caps when I’m 50, if I’m lucky by the time I’m 35 I’ll get out of bed without sound effects in the morning.

[@frankeinstein5564]

Dude Chelsea rocks! Do more vids with u and her working on guitar problems, it's fun to watch!

[@petedavis7970]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/qH2qp6x9n8dkhLs Here's another, though not a repair.

[@edadpops1709]

Rare that anyone teaches old Dan new tricks. This one just saved me sleepless nights. I made an lp about 20 years ago,a gold top ,using Dans tips from a vhs tape . Anyway the iviord binding in the cutaway shrunk and seperated. I can re attach but that spot where it is seperated will need binding desolved in acetone to blend,no problem there,matching the yellowed lacqure on the binding was a problem i cant touch the gold top finish,to dangerous. until i saw this water slide video.genius!!!!! Thanks for doing these vids and for showing this old dog a new trick.

[@even200x]

never would have found that secret in a lifetime.... thanks a bunch Stewmac and friends.

[@BURTBROWN]

That's a TERRIFIC idea for a LOT of different color matches and changes!!!! Thanks!!

[@NGH99999]

That is a brilliant fix. Chelsea obviously has the skills!

[@seriseriom8445]

For mismatching very easy colour tones?

[@lousekoya1803]

Best channel on earth !

[@bassinbob1965]

Simply amazing. I have learned so much from you. I appreciate you taking your time to make and post these videos.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

I'm generally afraid to do my own repairs, but I always enjoy these videos!

[@PSF1]

Pick up a cheap second hand guitar and use it to learn from.

[@JohnHorneGuitar]

No time.

[@Ibaneddie76]

Come on buddy there is always time, I own my own business work super late and still come home every night and put in at least 2-4 hours in the shop. Have kids too, just have to make the time. Of coarse thats probably why I have a fat belly too because I'm always telling people I don't have the time to go to the gym, hahaha Priorities right!

[@j_freed]

I did use my friends old Dana and another guitar for some early repair learning, the more you do the more confidence you get to do small repairs, fret maintenance and proper guitar setup.

[@helloitsme4745]

That's how we used to do the laquer melt logos. Print the logo on a laquer based waterslide decal stock, slide onto headstock and spray with laquer over top. The backing dissolves and the logo is all that remains. It's Magic!

Wow! Ascended Masters! Thank you for sharing. A delight to watch such craftsmanship.

[@jamesbutterson5218]

The first match was perfect 👌 the final one was too yellow 🤔✌️

[@mikeischangingplaces]

I think it's because they matched the color on a white background, but the plastic was already yellowed somewhat. I'm guessing she normally does this on fresh white plastic

[@OfficialKevinFox]

Guys, she was matching the original color of the cap before Dan did the heel cap repair I’m willing to bet. It doesn’t have to exactly match the binding color. It’s about matching the overall aesthetic. These heel caps usually tend to “yellow” faster and more intensified than other areas on binding. The first match was for sure a tad too light compared to the over all aging appearance with the rest of the guitar. And also remember that the camera does exaggerate the shades than it’s appearance in real life as well.

[@soupbonep]

It does look like a darker yellow, but that may be the camera and lighting. Any way, we all learned a great technique from Chelsea. Chelsea is cool!

[@razvanbutiac7684]

Really nice trick Chelsea.

[@drummerdm1016]

That's awesome. Great tip. Dan, you are a treasure dude.

[@mrfender7193]

Very nice. You're both very talented (and entertaining).

[@brian9670]

This video helped me out SO much thank you!!!

[@marions.120]

Awesome work! Anything can be done, almost anything anyway. I was told an ABR-1 couldn’t be put on my Les Paul by a guitar tech. I did it anyway. Did other LP’s for a few people and my EDS-1275 including cutting the bridges on all of them.

[@drutgat2]

Love Dan's videos. So interesting.

[@bdogjr7779]

Awesome Chelsea & Dan《☆》I've used those Preval kits for painting aircraft wingtips, fairings, cowlings & touchup jobs. They work great & very little cleanup🤓

[@lachrimaestro]

Excellent idea!!!! I wish StewMac could source some kind of ivoroid replacement material. I understand that the genuine article is a headache to stock and ship, but there must be some way to make an ABS version.

[@fishingAx81]

never think of that techniques..thank stewmac u guys awesome

[@photodope1989]

Wow. She's a pro. Nice work.

[@gergemall]

So creative. Wonderful

[@apinakapinastorba]

This was a very cool trick, thank you.

[@miketayse]

Great quick fix!

[@jacobbuxton932]

Awesome trick! Will have to try this on my guitar with a worn through finish!

[@Caged63Man]

great job..and for those wondering why it didnt blend instantly, is because It takes a day or two for the color to blend after complete 24 hours of drying..and not because of your impatients

[@joelanderson_t]

I was thinking that, it would soon blend in but not immediately. Once all the liquid stuff dries away, it’ll get that brighter look. If you’re an art professor working with 2D paintings and ceramics, this should be pretty straightforward to remember.

[@amjan]

Wow, so much work and attention to such a small detail :))

[@Cube10]

Hey Guys, cool innovation! Just like a Luthier. Extrapolating, do you think a digital picture can be printed on the water slide paper. If so, by taking a photo of a clean part of the Same Guitar ( even colors) under repair then putting a piece over a substantial patch and finally seal and flash coat MIGHT work well?? So here I am on a new build acoustic complete in the raw. While routing the top binding channel I took a chip from the top😔. I took a piece from the original top waste wood and made the repair. It came out wonderful. I left the patch a millionth high and burnished the edges out woods . I can still see the cross grain line, obviously, but the grain is spot on. I can burst the finish but I’m thinking of using your trick because the Sinker Sitka Spruce is I have for 25 years is so special. I couldn’t get the picture scale correct and the printer I have did not print well on the slide paper. That’s where I am. Your time and insight is greatly appreciated. Respectfully, Larry Cubeta NY

[@Lasher500]

Love it when a craftsman knows his stuff. Subscribed.

[@swilliams140]

I really enjoy these videos.

[@rchydrozz751]

On that spot. Brush on some clear lacquer with a little pigment added. The decal is too much trouble, and there's an edge.

[@hibernative]

You're not wrong. But this makes it easier to color match.

[@goochbillingham]

That's the best lacquer sliding I've ever seen

[@guitartec]

I'd just use my Amber-colored StewMac marker (that they NO LONGER CARRY). After applying the marker, I wipe it with alcohol on a rag and it leaves a natural looking finish. Takes about 5 minutes. BTW... nice KayKraft on the wall.

[@JohnKorvell]

Besides being an able craftswoman in her own right, she looks like a darn nice lady, with a lovely speaking voice, to boot.

[@greghall8992]

Really good info and demonstration..Thanks

[@JessicaNunes]

"It's almost like painting nails!" That was exactly what i was thinking about!

[@TheAxe4Ever]

You could tell when she asked him how does that color look when she was using the full sheet to color match, that he really didn’t think it was a match. But he said “you’re the boss” because he would’ve made her look like a fool if he said “what? Are you color blind”? LOL!!

[@mattyt6986]

I was literally thinking the same thing, he will always be the best

[@darren767]

considering the lengths gone to for a colour match,. Its miles off the binding colour at the end!!

[@alecsneed5835]

So cool. Great work!

[@outsiderdf]

She's freaking perfect.

[@jimmcdowell6000]

I hope you have her back to do more videos. She could work on my guitars anytime.

[@bassfishingwiththeantichri2921]

Does she still have that white Strat with the black artwork protected with a clear coat of lacquer? If I was still living in LA, I would never be happy with my guitars and I'd try to hang out while they were being worked on. "The strap button WAS a little loose." I thought so but you never can be too sure. See ya tomorrow!

[@bbcisrubbish]

Very enjoyable. The only question I have is "where in the blazes could one but this equipment in the UK?

[@ericgould435]

Looked like fun

[@ducamuk]

The girl has major skills. Kudos. 👍

[@mrabrasive51]

you can also put your finish,laquer.shellac or poly in a clear glass jar and leave in a sunny window until it ambers up....old hardwood floor trick!

[@lameyknives]

Clever, very clever.

[@gtbones]

That's a neat little trick...but I can't help but wonder if it's not easier just to mask off and spray the heel cap?

[@epifaniorivera4966]

That is nice trick.

[@thomastommy1192]

Cool video. Does Tracey have a you tube channel?

[@alext9067]

Her name is Chelsea Clark and she does have a channel. Look up Chelsea Clark Guitar.

[@gergemall]

Beautiful

[@glendoggett9670]

Could you use a similar technique to print decal sheets with shaded tiger stripes and apply that to an entire guitar's plain wood top to simulate a flamed maple top?

[@chrisclassical7]

great video

[@guitarmdpittsburgh7139]

Another slick trick . . .

[@dieselsk8]

Great job!

[@adamulias2315]

VERY COOL!!

[@nikeisagreekgoddess4135]

These people are charming the hell out of me

[@JoeKyser]

that was awesome

[@swilliams140]

His former students really know their stuff after working with him.

[@DaydreamAboutNiceThings]

That was cool !

[@rickbattle5706]

Fantastic tricks. Amazing. :-)

[@pgiuliano7]

You guys are so smart freaking crazy

[@algio3041]

I admit that I’m just hobbyists so I could be wrong. It seems that the color match is bad, and probably because it wasn’t color matched with the off white material behind it. It probably looked fine with the pure white of the paper behind it, but once the translucent lacquer was placed over the off white cap it changed its color. I’m sure a luthier of her caliber would never let it leave the shop though, but for the sake of a quick video it was good enough.

[@jamesdepalma6341]

Very cool!

[@conradtoni8259]

Looks good to me - very well done tutorial

[@MindDezign]

Loved it .

[@johnpick8336]

WoW...Thanks guys !

[@gyoshodaizugo311]

Technique was excellent but remember it dries darker than we might think. That does look super yellow. 6:23. Excelent video though :)

[@stewmac]

Thanks for watching!

[@PLINKER]

great job!

[@PLINKER]

Where can one get the water slide based Logo paper?

[@1972luap]

Excellent stuff :D

[@ryker6richard]

that was cool.

[@Sparky6string]

Brilliant!

[@anotherOneMore7]

Thanks for the great video. I think you meant to say you need to you use 'developmentally challenged thinner' for the last step. !!! I'm hear all night, try the fish special, tip your waiter.

[@raptureorbust]

That is some of the most clever work i've ever seen. watching the spray fade had me chuckling like i was watching a comedy. thumbs up, and subscribed.

[@musicdarmando]

are you in Los Angeles?

[@countvond233]

She's kinda...distracting! She's got mad skills. Love watching these two work together - she brings a lot of energy. Easy on these old eyes too. ;-)

[@OUSoonerinDFW]

She is that. Pretty girl who knows how to fix guitars. Dream girl.

[@aaronjaben7913]

too yellow, but cool technique. What about using that lacquer paper in a printer to make decals?

[@stewmac]

Hi Aaron, you can only print decals on the waterslide lacquer paper using a laser printer. More importantly, you MUST print on the waterslide lacquer paper when the printer is COLD. If the printer gets too warm it will start to melt the thin layer of lacquer on the waterslide paper.

[@aaronjaben7913]

interesting. Thanks for the information!

[@Waterbeach2000]

I'm loving the Mohican Dan... ;-)

[@chrisofnottingham]

Interesting video and well produced but I can't help thinking I would have just left the button in place anyway.

[@WilshIAm]

Dan dancing with spray cans is a national treasure