Thread: How long can (should) you leave a fingerboard taped up for?

i think i left masking tape on for about a week during (whilst procrastinating about) the fret level on my first 7string with no problems...

BUT

i did a refret on a rosewood board last week and i was using naptha as a lubricant on my recrown file,
some dripped down onto the masking tape beside a few frets...
when i pulled the tape off it left alot of residue, just rubbed it off with my finger as it was still dry.... but if it had hardened, i dont think it would have been very nice.
so be careful with chemicals lol

I've had masking tape stuck on one of my classical fretboards for 12 months now. Its not a huge issue if the stuff comes off and leaves a bit of gunk on the fretboard...a wipe with Shellite removes same.

Originally Posted by Andrew_B

i did a refret on a rosewood board last week and i was using naptha as a lubricant on my recrown file,

You use a lubricant on your recrown file???? Is this really necessary?

Originally Posted by kiwigeo

I've had masking tape stuck on one of my classical fretboards for 12 months now.

hahaha! nice one Martin

Originally Posted by kiwigeo

You use a lubricant on your recrown file???? Is this really necessary?

well i found the file was loading up a bit quick and leaving a few deeper scratches here and there.... so one day i decided to test naptha as a lubricant,
drip a lil on, file, wipe off on a soft wire brush, drip a lil on, file, wipe of, etc etc
the naptha floods the swarf right out of the files teeth.
just cuts cleaner for me, less to clean up wth sandpaper

Tape will become an issue if it dyes out. Heat is one of the main factors. Just keep it away from the light and i wouldnt push it past a couple of weeks. Residue is broken down by oil based products, turps and petroleums being the harshest down to citrus and lemon oils.