Should I mask off checking before I spray on a finish?
I would think yes but even blue painters tape might pull of some of the checking.

usually you finish the stock then cut the checkering.

quote:

Originally posted by McKay:
usually you finish the stock then cut the checkering.

The stock already has finish on it. I need to strip it off and refinish it.

Duke,
I've done exactly what you want to do without any problems. Buy the blue or green (better) painters tape to mask off the checkering. Use just enough pressure on the tape and especially the borders to keep the tape sticking but don’t overdo it. Depending on what you plan to do (recutting the checkering?) you can lightly prefinish the checkering with a toothbrush and some finish and that will strengthen it. Remove the tape slowly and you will not pull off any diamonds.
Good luck

Paul

Mask the checkering; spray the finish on in coats, sanding between coats. When you only need one more coat peel off the masking and spray the entire stock.

quote:

Originally posted by Toomany Tools:
Mask the checkering; spray the finish on in coats, sanding between coats. When you only need one more coat peel off the masking and spray the entire stock.

That's what I was thing also. Thanks a bunch guys.

This is what works for me..
After your done applying the tape use your finger nail and press into the the boarder of the checkering so yu see the outline then with a razor blade cut and trim the tape along that line to finish the mask job.you will end up with some oil in the boarder you can clean that up with a checkering tool...

Zephyr did what I did. Only I used a stiff bristle brush to get the residual gunk out of the checkering. I don't see well enough to make a perfectly straight cut with a checkering tool.

quote:

Originally posted by Zephyr:
This is what works for me..
After your done applying the tape use your finger nail and press into the the boarder of the checkering so yu see the outline then with a razor blade cut and trim the tape along that line to finish the mask job.you will end up with some oil in the boarder you can clean that up with a checkering tool...

Works for me too... blue tape doesn't damage the checkering.