Masking tape that works?

[Trevor Gore]

I'm getting rather bored with cleaning lacquer off fretboards, where it has crept under the masking tape by the fret ends, even though the tape is as well adhered as it's ever likely to be. I've tried a few brands, mostly of the white/cream crepe type. No joy. Does anyone in the motor trades know of a brand/type that works in this application? I leave the tape on for up to 2 weeks, if that is important.

TIA.

[Dekka]

Hi Trevor,

I haven't used it yet but this stuff is supposed be very good in that regard.

http://www.masters.com.au/product/10027 ... 24mm-x-55m

[demonx]

How do you "clean" it after you get the bleed through

It only takes a couple minutes to scrape the whole board. I use this to my advantage, as i know I'm going to scrape it, so it allows me to skip some previous fingerboard stages

[Allen]

3M's green masking tape is about the best I've found. It has the smoothest edge and adhesive will not transfer and stay stuck to the job even a month after application. It's also very easy to see the line that you are trying to mask.

[Nick]

I use the blue painters tape and really make sure to push it in tight at fret ends, helps to have a good thumbnail to achieve a tight "tuck". I still get the occasional bleed through (usually the tape can lift slightly at the fret/board junction) but nothing a razor blade can't remove later. The blue tape will handle the two week period no trouble without leaving any adhesive residue behind.

[Lutherie Gervais]

I like to fret after applying the finish. Prevent chipping/lifting the finish on the side of the fb and you don't get that bleed you get.

anyway, best tape I found, is the 3M green masking tape number 401+

[steve_I]

anyway, best tape I found, is the 3M green masking tape number 401+

This is the tape that I have been using for binding tape. Works well for that purpose - little or no stretch and sticks well. Also come off very cleanly like blue tape.
It is also designated here in OZ as 3M 233+.

However, I have not left it on for two weeks as per Trevor's requirements.

Available from Blackwoods in different widths (12/18/24/36/48/100mm). Search Blackwoods for 401+ and you can see the full range of widths. For some reason a search for 233+ only shows part of the range.

Steve.

[Kev3]

The 3M "green" - new stuff - is advertised a specifically to stop this creep under the edge. Supposedly OK for up to 2 weeks. I've used it with success.
There's an orange version too for delicate surfaces that should be OK for a lot longer, but I havent tried that yet.

cheers

[demonx]

I used to use blue tape, these days I only buy the green - BUT - I still scrape the fingerboard with a razor

[Trevor Gore]

Thanks, gents, for the suggestions.

How do you "clean" it after you get the bleed through

Scrape with a razor blade. I wouldn't have to do this if I didn't get creep under the edge.

I used to use blue tape, these days I only buy the green - BUT - I still scrape the fingerboard with a razor

Is that because of creep/bleed-though, or just part of your process?

I can get this stuff locally, but none with the product numbers quoted or the "Frogtape" (thanks Dekka, I'd get some of that just because of the name!).

Maybe I'll need to travel further a field.

[demonx]

If you're taping at the top/side join, you'll get a tiny bit of bleed.

If theres no bleed, then chances are there'll be a tiny bit of side build up which leaves a edge, which you need to will need to razor blade anyway.

The green tape I use is just green painters tape. I've seen it at bunnings, I've also seen it at the auto paint supplies store. Just looks like masking tape, but its light green

[Eric Reid]

I keep thinking that there must be a paint-on masking that would works for this. Somewhere I have a can of liquid latex that I want to try. Has anyone here found a liquid product that they can recommend?

Not beer. I have that.

[demonx]

Airbrush artists use this type of thing. Liquid Friskit. Ive never used it personally do cannot comment on its usability. I can imagine I wouldn't want a liquid on my fingerboard other than something I'm finishing with though

[Kev3]

Same type of thing used in watercolour painting to mask off areas. (sometimes called friskit too). Basically a liquid latex rubber type stuff you paint on. It comes off of paper just by rubbing with your finger or using an eraser. Might work for this - but it's rather fluid when applied and may also fill larger pores, holes and the like .... getting it out of there might prove challenging.

[tippie53]

3M 233 tape I find to work as good as any

[jeff crisp]

I have taken to using a 3mm thick piece of MDF to press the tape up to each fret. I find it works better and is quicker than rotating your finger (nail) one way and the other as you go from one fret to the next. It also helps stop the tape lifting. As the hand you steer the tape on with is always higher than the fretboard it tends to pull up what you have just pressed down and the MDF not having any give like a finger tip prevents this from happening as you sweep from one fret to the next. As far as tape goes, I just use the green painters tape from bunnings. I'll often leave it on for 5 or 6 weeks and the worst thing that has happened is the occasional match head sized bit of residue on a fret. It may however bake on more in a hotter climate than Melbourne.

[Trevor Gore]

I can get this stuff locally, but none with the product numbers quoted or the "Frogtape" (thanks Dekka, I'd get some of that just because of the name!).

Well, that's what I used (Scotch 25mm Blue Edge-lock tape, from the local Bunnies). Worked just about perfectly. No leaks, so no need to scrape. The only (minor) down side was that it wouldn't come off in one piece (two or three), but no big deal.

Taped fretboard.jpg (123.93 KiB) Viewed 23160 times

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[tippie53]

Trevor
I use the 3M 633 tape and apply it with a credit card to seal the edges.

[EricDownunder]

I would automotive masking tape, blue pin line tape at the edge and mask the rest with normal low tack masking tape, I will try and put some pics up tonight, it's the only way I know of that will give a perfect clean line without bleed-through under the tape.

[EricDownunder]

These pictures should explain themselves