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Finishing - Masking

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I have some wraps that are only 3-4 rounds of thread and thought I remembered someone mentioning using tape to put around them to control the finish while sealing and building up the wraps (before dipping).  Does this ring a bell with anyone.  (Doug Hall)

I've used Teflon tape snugged up against the wraps to keep the varnish off the bamboo while treating the wraps.  Is that what you're referring to?  (Ed Riddle)

I've also used Teflon to protect any decals or writing on the blank while stripping or scraping old finish off during a refinish.   (Greg Kuntz)

I followed Mr. Nunley's advice of using scotch tape to mask the wraps.  Perfection (ish) attained for the first time on me little wraps.  I masked 1/10 of an inch extra so that I had some room.  Be careful that the scotch tape doesn't pull a long lift of dried varnish away from the wrap as you take it off.

HOWEVER, I'm not sure it's a whole lot quicker to do the scotch tape than to just be EXTRA careful when filling the wraps.  I did it both ways on two different rods and I think the scotch tape method is only faster by a little bit.  (Joe West)

I am finishing a Mike Brook's Payne 97 impregnated blank.  It's my understanding that these blanks don't get varnished.  My question is this - how do you all finish the wraps so the varnish that is applied to them has a smooth transition to the unvarnished blank?  No matter how hard I try. A little bit of varnish always wicks onto the blank itself.  Another question - how do you remove dry thread varnish of the blank?  (Louis DeVos)

Someone else may steer you in a better direction but what I do is take blue masking tape that painters use on drywall (it has very little stickum' on it and doesn't leave any residue when you remove it) and butt a turn or two up against the wraps, and after you've put your final coat of varnish on and it has set up just peel it off.  (Will Price)

You can also use a razor blade or X-Acto knife blade to chop a straight edge on the wrap varnish. It must be a sharp blade so that you can put just enough pressure to cut through the varnish but not press down into the cane. I do it this way on my impregnated wraps. Also, you can dip a layer or two of varnish on the impregnated rod if you want to.  (Larry Puckett)

You could use some Teflon plumber's tape to set up a barrier for the varnish.  It's thin enough to give you a good edge to work with.  I think the first time I heard about using it was when Dennis Higham posted it to the list!  (Todd Talsma)

I'll say the idea about taping  up against the wraps is a good idea.  The blue 3m tape is probably just fine - but you can also use automotive striping tape - it's a vinyl base tape (like plastic) is only 1/8th wide and has a very very straight edge and will hold a edge without any seeping of varnish under the tape - it's the stuff all the custom painters use to make the intricate graphics and design layout for cars boats motorcycles etc. (John Silveira)