Removing a decal

[oldslapper]

One of my basses has a Fender decal, it’s not a Fender neck and I’d like to replace it with one of my own decals.

However it’s so well embedded, sand paper isn’t touching it so far.

I’m loathed to sand agriculturally, but if I must, I will. I have the correct lacquer to refinish, but…

Thought I’d check here first for any tips from team BC first.

Thanks for your help.

 

[TheGreek]

Sounds like it's under some chemicals. Is it lacquered over - if so you'll need to remove this first (obviously )

[John Cribbin]

If you don't mind a coloured headstock, you could spray it to hide the existing decal and apply the new one on top.

 

[rmorris]

Sounds like a paint / varnish stripper type product may be a better option to sanding ?

[Reggaebass]

What about applying a gentle heat from a heat gun?

[oldslapper]

Thanks for the suggestions chaps.

It’s quite heavily lacquered. 

Might try heat gun, good shout. Outdoors of course.

I could just leave it.

[Stub Mandrel]

Caustic soda?

 

Paint stripper?

 

Personally I's rather sand it down. I have a cheap neck heading for me and that's what I will do.

[Norris]

You could try scraping it off with a razor blade (used like a cabinet scraper)

[Jean-Luc Pickguard]

I would be wary of applying heat if it has a transparent finish in case of scorch marks

Edited October 29, 2021 by Jean-Luc Pickguard

[PaulThePlug]

Go Heavier duty sandpaper...