Water Slide Decal - Question

[Jmcmahan67]

Hi All,

I need to apply a waterslide decal to the inside top of my Victrola, which is not currently shellacked. Is it OK to apply the waterslide decal to a non-shellacked surface and then shellac over it? On the other hand, is it better to shellac the surface and then apply the water decal and then add another few coats of shellac?

Seems like I heard somewhere that water slide decals work better when initially applied to a non-shellacked surface but I might be wrong.

Any advice is appreciated.

Thanks!

John

[JerryVan]

https://www.phonodecal.com/blog/how-to-apply-decals

[Jmcmahan67]

Hi JerryVan,

Thanks very much for the instructions. I should have mentioned that I read these instructions very carefully before sending my message. It does seem to say that you apply orange shellac before putting on the decal. However, I seem to remember hearing something to the contrary and wanted to see if anyone has had experience applying decals with or without shellac underneath. The benefit of actual experience as opposed to written Instructions is what I’m seeking. This may seem like overkill to some, and if so, I accept that criticism.

Thanks again,

John

[JerryVan]

Hi JerryVan,

Thanks very much for the instructions. I should have mentioned that I read these instructions very carefully before sending my message. It does seem to say that you apply orange shellac before putting on the decal. However, I seem to remember hearing something to the contrary and wanted to see if anyone has had experience applying decals with or without shellac underneath. The benefit of actual experience as opposed to written Instructions is what I’m seeking. This may seem like overkill to some, and if so, I accept that criticism.

Thanks again,

John

You're welcome John. I'll just say, Gregg's instructions are based on actual experience. If you want to try an alternate method I'd suggest asking him directly as I'm sure he'd have an informed answer for you. This is not to say that others here can't help. Maybe we'll hear from a few.

[zonophpones7]

I do not recommend applying a water slide decal to the unfinished surface. The decal does not adhere to dry wood well and will likely not result in a smooth Application. It also doesn’t allow finish to seal the wood underneath the decal. A coat or two of finish first, then apply the decal and then topcoat. In addition to shellac, I also finish with spray lacquer as an alternative with good results… but not a brush lacquer, I.e. Deft, as it will make the decal streak. Please let me know if you have any other questions.
Gregg Cline
Phonodecal.com

[Jmcmahan67]

Hi Gregg,

Thank you so much as you are the authoritative, sir source. Just to be clear, it is not an unfinished surface in the sense that it is stained. Sounds like it’s OK to shellac over the stain and then apply the water decal followed by the Sol solution and then shellac again over that. Am I correct?

Thanks again,

John

[Curt A]

Yes...

[Jmcmahan67]

Thanks Curt.

[zonophpones7]

Yes… finish over the stain first… good luck!!