Sealing a signature on an acoustic guitar

[wyf4lyf]

I have an odd, but fun (for me) question: Randy Stonehill signed my guitar this past weekend and I want to put some kind of sealant on it so it won't ever rub off. What should I use? I don't want to ruin my guitar, of course!!

Thanks in advance...
Nina

[chrismoncus]

The best solution would be to call the local music store and ask them to recommend a luthier in town who could essentially refinish your guitar top. Not only would this seal the signature but also give it a nice new finish.

Just please... PLEASE... don't try it yourself.

[R.True]

Hi Nina,

Where on the guitar did he sign it?

I'm a guitar maker by hobby and there was this same question posted on the guitar maker's forum I'm a member of earlier this year.

The concensus with the builders was to put a clear pick guard over top of the signature.

You really don't want to spray anything 'wet' over it. First off, if you don't konw what type of finish is on the guitar, you may not be spraying the same finish on it.

Second, not all finishes will stick to one another.

Third, the finish (or sealer as your calling it) may damage the signature. See most perminant markers are alcohol based as is lacquer (a very common finish for guitars) and the lacquer could very well make the signature run and ruin it for good.

Got a picture?