Gents, a quick question....I have some minor scratches on a blank exactly where I'd like to put my rod decal. Is there some kind of polish or something that I can use to hide the scratches before sticking the decal over it. I have a feeling they'll show thru the decal if I don't. I also intend to epoxy over the decal once installed. Thoughts?

Thanks for the help.

Touch it up with epoxy and let it cure for the day and install tomorrow or if you have lumi seal or perma gloss they will all hide the scratches

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If you apply some polish or wax, your decal will not properly adhere to the blank, don't do it.

If your blank is coated with clear (no color, just clear) you can apply a coat of thread finish let it cure for 24 hours and apply your decal on this.
This coat of epoxy will also serve as undercoat for your decal and make it look ("blend") much look better. Applying a decal without a undercoat of thread finish is not good idea in many case.

Good luck.

I've seen many recommend a coat of thread finish on the blank before applying a decal. For all types of decals? What exactly is the problem if you don't first apply a coat of thread finish? I have to admit, I've never done it. thanks

Michael, it depends upon the blank finish. If a gloss finish such as most of the painted blanks, not applying a coat below the decal, usually won't be an issue. However, matte blanks will often make the clear areas of a decal appear cloudy, rather then absolutely clear, additionally the edge of the decal is often apparent. I have also found that first putting down a coat of epoxy, eliminates any issue with edge curling of the decal.

thanks, Phil, makes sense.

Thanks guys. Epoxy it is! Or was.