How to Protect Autographs on your Guitar or Pick Guard

Need to protect or preserve an autograph or signature on your guitar or pick guard? In this video we discuss the techniques and products that you will need to be able to accomplish that, so that you can make sure that that squiggly line of sharpie stays in as close as possible to original condition for as long as possible.

Don't forget to ask your questions in the comment section.

Thanks for watching.

To get in touch with me with your questions, photos, etc. use the links below!

[lindamessinger]

"So you go to a rock concert and you happen to bring your guitar along because you're...weird" 😂 Thank goodness for that laugh because writing with a sharpie on that beautiful telecaster body did me a pouty face.

[Axess-svnq]

YOU have an autograph from Famous Person?! You are SO lucky! I am SO jealous!! I've been trying to get Famous Person's autograph for decades! So, SO, jelly!! - Yep, I'm a Most of us performers and ex-performers, especially those of us from the 1980's, are chock full of wise cracks!

[bainr]

I was looking for something JUST like this. Thanks, Brad! Keep up the awesome work.

[RonMcManmon]

Thanks for the advice on protecting my autographed guitar! UPDATE: couldn't find anyone to finish my guitar so took your advice and followed your directions. Last step is to bring it down to the autobody guy here in town (found someone that shoots old classics) and have him put the final finish coat on. Cheers!

[mcmusicm]

Hey Brad! I have Brian May's aurograph on his BMG guitar. So scared to sand it down. How far should i go ?

[BrookelovesGod]

This is perfect for my new Zach Bryan signature!!! This is the exact video i was looking for!

[travismiles]

I have a white guitar with an autograph I want to protect. Whats the part number on the can that you are using? Does it dry clear? Thanks!

[RogelioRod]

My gibson les paul tobacco has a signature make with black sharpie in the body. How i can preserve this?

[qotsashfifty]

First time watching your stuff, really helpful. I have a Schecter bass signed by Nikki Sixx and would love to be able to play the thing without smudging. I have a Spray Max 2K from your store in my cart. But you also mentioned an acrylic clear - I couldn’t find one listed in your store (unless I missed it). Any recommendations?

[hilaryleungmusic]

Great tutorial and I will buy the lacquer you mentioned to seal my guitar back cover drew with paint marker. Does the stringed instrument lacquer work on Polyurethane finished guitar also? Thanks!

[KailynsJoy]

Perfect timing! I was just about to research this!

[ALtheDoctorWho]

Thanks Brad have to pick up some maroon brite. Wax & grease remover is there a mild one or just use water? thanks Brad c];-)

[katenkyokotsu]

Hey brad quick question! Do I have to disassemble my guitar in order to get this signature done? I could get painters tape to prevent coating from getting on unwanted areas

[HomerFil]

hey brad i got a question. i got cornhole boards made and the guy put a coat down of indoor/outdoor poly it has a shine to it. its my weddings guest book to sign both of the boards. should i use sharpie or paint markers? i need help the wedding is this saturday

[maers]

You got any tips to protect Stickers on my guitar from wearing off? I have a sticker one the side of my strat where my thigh rests and it wears the sticker so what could I do?

[brandonmorado]

If i use paint pen should i still sand before they sign and then follow the video if the guitar is layered with polyurethane

[RR-evvk]

Hi Brad, thanks for the video. I scuffed my guitar (polyurethane finish) with scotch brite and got it autographed with a paint marker. According to the video the next steps would be to 1) Spray acrylic clear to chemically protect the autograph, 2) Spray either the lacquer or catalyzed polyurethane clear over it? Thanks!

[alexlaurence]

love your channel, it is exactly what i was looking for

[jonathonkritz]

Great video.
Still, PLEASE HELP BRAD!!!
I have been wondering how I could do this. I have a bass that is literally covered in just about every big name in hard rock today as well as one famous drummer who just passed a couple years back. I know the bass had been sealed at some point, but I dont know with what (factory). The finish is definitely a Satin like finish. There is NO WAY POSSIBLE I could sand ANY OF THE BODY, it's THAT covered.
Brad, what would you suggest? It's imperative I protect all of these Autographs.

[FairyFellersMasterStroke]

I have a mechanical metronome that has some sort of varnish on top. Would you suggest sanding the surface a bit, prior to using a sharpie? And then, what would be the best generic varnish that can go over the sharpie, so that is doesn't bleed?