Decals unlimited makes a dry transfer decal, and that is not like the
original decals used years ago.  The original decals for pianos were known
as "Varnish Transfer Decals".  These decals are a bit tricky to apply, and
once long ago (twenty five years) in an AMICA bulletin I wrote an article
on how to apply these decals with white glue.

The Varnish Transfer Decals are on two pieces of paper that are lightly
glued together.  This special paper is known as duplex paper.  The backing
is gum paper and the thinner piece is a type of tissue paper.  The tissue
paper is easily dissolved in water.  My method which has been mentioned
earlier by another MMD'er is to smear white glue on the tissue side of the
decal so the glue is between the piano and the letters.

Separate the gum paper and tissue paper.  Place the decal on the piano and
smooth out the bubbles.  Let it dry overnight.  On the next day you can wet
a paper towel and lightly soak the tissue paper off the lettering.  Then
you can apply your top coats of lacquer.

Unfortunately the manufacture of duplex paper seems to have ceased in 1985.
I searched the net and have had responses from several readers of MMD give
suggestions.  I have been trying unsuccessfully for some time to learn the
lost art of making decals.  There are companies in USA that still make
these old time decals.  I can only find one of them.  (hint: help is needed
so please respond)    They are costly to have made in small numbers.

I am having the J.P. Seeburg Electric Upright Grand decal reproduced.
These were used on early Seeburg pianos that played the A roll.  This decal
was available up until a few years ago and I was told there just isn't an
demand for them.  I have some of the Mills Violano decals left and they are
still available.  This is the decal for the front of the machine.

I have also toyed with the idea of reproducing the hammer rail decal.  This
was done a few years ago by a collector who needed one and had a few made
so I have one.  Would anyone need this decal?  Should I waste my time and
money on such a project?  Some of the other decals that are available are
the Coinola and Cremona decals. These are true old time original decals.
They are not the dry transfer ones.

Randy, your decal probably turned green because of a chemical reaction
between the decal ink and your top coats.   We have used the Decals
Unlimited decals with no problems.   We have used Star lacquer products for
years and now they are out of business.  We have switched to Mohawk as our
current supplier of lacquers.  The lacquer bought at your local paint store
is just not the same.

Don Teach
1610 E. Bert Kouns
Shreveport,  LA  71105
318 798 6000