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I would like to know If there is a particular masking tape that I can use to mask around the bridge, to scrape off the finish, and not cause any damage. The guitar was finished with Tru-Oil. Thanks in advance for all responses.

Ron M.

I think that the safest tape to use is 3M drafting tape. You can still get it at most Michael's and also check out the Yellow pages for a Survey/Map supply company. They will have it in a variety of widths.

You can also take blue or green masking tape and stick it to your jeans prior to using it on a guitar to take some of the tack out of it. Regardless of what you use, don't leave it on for too long.

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Jim Howell
Charlotte, NC

Not all blue tapes are alike. The Scotch 2090 that seems to be more common in hardware stores has a crepe backing that will leave impressions in a fresh finish, and it also leaves adhesive residue. Scotch 2080 (not that hard to find; paint stores usually have it) has a flatter backing, leaves less residue, and is safe for longer times. But it's still a good idea to dull the tack by sticking to your shirt first, and get it off the guitar as soon as possible (couple days max). You may need to buff a bit to restore the surface. 2080 is what I use.

The green Scotch is supposed to be the most safe for lacquer (nothing in its adhesive is a solvent for lacquer, unlike the others), but it also has a very high tack. I haven't tried it yet. There is also a yellow low tack Scotch, but it's hard to find and I don't know if it's lacquer safe. I know you used Tru-Oil, but I don't know which solvents will attack a cured tru-oil finish.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Thanks jhowell and Howard for your help.


Ron M.

Duck brand makes a purple painters tape that has the least amount of tack that I've seen among the various painters tapes. I get it at my local hardware store. However, there is a warning inside the roll to avoid using it on lacquer. I have, but only for short periods and I haven't had any problems.

I have used the green Scotch and do not like it because it is way too sticky.

Chuck

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