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How can I mask off an area from an oil finish? (lemmy.world)

submitted 3 months ago by alleycat@lemmy.world to c/woodworking@lemmy.ca

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I have a workpiece that I want to give an oil finish, but a certain area needs to stay oil-free, because I need to attach a part later on using hide glue. What masking method is safe for oil?

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[–] elbowgrease@lemm.ee 5 points 2 months ago (1 children)

you probably know this already, but one of the nice things about hide glue is that it doesn't show up in the finish if you don't clean it up perfectly the way PVA glues do. of course, you may have more limited access after glue up like Bradley said.

one idea -full disclosure, I've never tried this - would be to apply a layer of hide glue as a masking agent. since hide glue is reversible, and assuming you'll have good access to the masked area after you apply the oil finish, you should be able to remove that high glue with heat and moisture after you're finish is applied.

[–] alleycat@lemmy.world 3 points 2 months ago (1 children)

I'm now doing the hide glue method. I did a test piece and oil doesn't seem to penetrate the hide glue at all.

[–] elbowgrease@lemm.ee 4 points 2 months ago (1 children)

that's great to hear and thanks for taking the time to post a follow up! that's mighty lemmy of you ;)

got any pics to share?

[–] alleycat@lemmy.world 4 points 2 months ago* (last edited 2 months ago)

I think the masked-off area is easy to spot:

The body got an alcohol-varnish and the fingerboard is oiled. Worked pretty well.

I posted the full build here: https://lemmy.world/post/19796054