Official Luthiers Forum!

I am currently working on my first solo build, as my Dad and I have tag-teamed the first 6 we made. I am making a Martin-like OM, and would greatly like to do my last name (Archer) scripted in goldleaf onto the headstock. I have never used goldleaf, and would greatly appreciate any advice on doing such a thing. We already have a design in mind, as my dad also makes banjos and is wanting the same thing on a banjo he's making. Thanks in advance!

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Jake

~Make a joyful noise unto the Lord~

I would think that some sort of either a press on dry transfer (like the lettering available in Art Supply stores) or a gold decal (a la Martin), both under lacquer, would be the easiest way. I know that the old model magazines, in particular Model Railroader, had custom decal suppliers for the model train fans. As for where you would get a dry transfer style logo made, perhaps a sign painter would be a good place to start. You know the ones that letter the glass on business front doors. In the old days the Doctors, Lawyers and Indian Chiefs had gold leaf lettering on their office doors. Perhaps someone can still afford real gold!

You'll probably need to supply the art work in the size you want to use on the headstock logo. Let us know how this turn out.

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Hank Mauel

Seems like the gold leaf foil similar to what is done on an automotive or motorcycle paint job would work. It was really popular in the hot rod world in the 60's (So they tell me). I have thought of trying this myself, but haven't gotten around to it.
Maybe create a stenil, stencil on glue, apply foil, and brush off - then laquer over. I would experiment on some scrap first...

You can't lacquer direcly over gold leaf, the thinner in the lacquer will destroy the gold leaf size. Also the gold used in the automotive applications use vinyl, lacquer will destroy that too. So you'll need to seal the leaf or vinyl first if you are going to use lacquer.

I've done a gold leaf logo for a client (factory) as a prototype. I thought it was cool, they didn't get it, at the time.

The advantage I had was the logo was laser engraved, and the gold leaf was inset. The edges were the logo itself.
The problem you're going to run into, even if you use a stencil to lay out the size (that's what the glue is called), is the actual gold leaf foil will not leave a clean edge when you start brushing it off. You'll have to consider an outline, IMO. Obviously, in automotive, they just pinstriped it, then cleared over.

As for the lacquer eating up the material, true. As Joe said, sealing is important. Remember though, back when gold leafing was popular (still is on Fire Trucks), lacquer was the paint that was used, so it is doable.

I used to make custom rub down transfers many years ago.I also made prototype packaging in the days it was still done by hand.
What may work for you is a foil transfer( if you can still get them) or an outline that would be registered and rubbed down over gold leaf. To get your sizing for the leaf to stick to ,you might try a rubber stamp dipped in size.Apply the size,leaf it, apply outline transfer and finish.
I have never done it on a guitar but similar projects came out well.
The dry transfers are an almost extinct process and there are but a handfull of shops left.
The place I get transfers made is called Scary Productions Out of Van Nuys Ca. if you want more info PM me
Good luck

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How long is that in luthyears?