A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Bass Signatures

A Step-by-Step Guide to Protecting Bass Signatures

On November 1, 2023, my favorite Midwest Emo band Tiny Moving Parts came to China. I brought my beloved Baboomin headless bass to the show and was thrilled to get it signed by three band members and take pictures with them. The excitement was beyond belief, but soon a new anxiety kicked in: How can I protect these precious signatures from wear or damage? After some trial and error, I figured it out, and now I’m sharing all my methods with you.

First of all, I highly recommend getting the signatures on the pickguard instead of the guitar body, unlike what I did. Bringing a pickguard for signatures is far more convenient and safer than running around with a whole guitar. It’s also more flexible. But if the signature is on the finish, don't worry—I’ve got affordable solutions for that, too. Just follow the steps below.

Things You’ll Need:

  • A clean, soft, lint-free cloth (like microfiber)
  • Clear lacquer (not white lacquer)
  • Sandpaper (grit of 100 or higher)
  • Soap and water

1. Clean the Surface

Start by gently wiping the pickguard or guitar body with a clean, soft, lint-free cloth (like a microfiber cloth) to remove dust and fingerprints. If you're not confident in your touch, avoid using paper towels—they can be too rough. Using a rough or hard cloth could damage the signature, so be careful!

2. Spray Lacquer and Sand

This step requires careful attention! First, purchase a small can of clear lacquer—not white lacquer! These products are easily available on Amazon.

Shake the lacquer thoroughly to ensure even consistency and prevent any sediment buildup. Then, lightly and evenly spray a thick layer over the signature. The coating needs to be thick enough to ensure that when you sand later, you don’t accidentally sand off the signature.

Next, wait around 10 minutes for the lacquer to dry completely. Once dry, sprinkle a bit of soapy water onto the surface and start sanding with the sandpaper. Make sure to keep the surface wet throughout the sanding process by continuously adding water.

Now, carefully inspect the surface for any visible marks. Sand gently, focusing on any uneven areas. Once the sprayed lacquer blends seamlessly into the surface with no visible marks, you’re done! Mission accomplished.

Be sure to read through the entire article to avoid missing any critical steps that could ruin your signature!

Final Note

If you encounter any issues during the process, feel free to leave a comment!

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