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I made a wood pickguard, oiled and polished. I tried to attach using double sided adhesive sheet but it did not stick well - sort of puckered and bubled in some places, probably because of the oil. I oiled both sides to help the saturation process - maybe that was unnecessary.

So, not sure how to going about sticking it on?

If I shellac the underside of the guard, do you think the adhesive sheet will do the job?

If I glue the guard to the top (nitro lacquer) with titebond, should I scrape finish off the top first?

Or should I just use an epoxy glue? I wonder if epoxy will make the guard sit a bit higher as it tends to be a bit thicker? Don't really want that.
Frank

Frank, I never thought about using the double-sided adhesive to afix a wood pickguard. That might still eventually work for you. I bet the oil on the rear of the guard was a factor in poor adhesion.
I've done several pickguards out of wood, and have been a little leery of using Titebond. My jitters were along the lines of shrinking differentials betwixt the top wood and the much harder pickguard.
What I ended up using was contact cement, applied after the seal coat was on the top. The solvents used in that stuff are in the same family as nitro lacquers and lacquer thinners, so I felt safe. And the "elastic" nature of that cement eased my worries about slight movement.
Those guitars have been out there for 15-20 years, and so far no problem.
However, your question has got me wanting to revamp my approach.
(I'm going through a pickguard upheaval anyway. Might as well throw this in to the mix.)

Good luck,

Steve

_________________
From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve - what about hide glue?

What kind of oil? I'd suggest you let it dry well, then sand out the side that is to be glued to about 600 grit or finer. It should then stick with transfer adhesive.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Seems as rigid and permanent as Titebond...only more so.
Try the transfer tape another time, w/out the oil...

Steve

_________________
From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Howard
It is described as "formulated from pure natural plant and wood oils, the major component oil being unmodified Tung Oil."
Your suggestion makes sense - will test it.
Thanks. Frank.