looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

If you have a string instrument of any kind that needs fixing, a mistake you made in building a new instrument that you need to "disappear," or a question about the ethics of altering an older instrument, ask here. Please note that it will be much easier for us to help you decide on the best repair method if you post some pictures of the problem.
Post Reply
Bob Orr
Posts: 147
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Nailsea, Nr Bristol, UK

looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Bob Orr »

Hi a friend has asked me to replace the clear plastic pick guard on his Oakwood bouzouki and I am looking for any advice on the best way to tackle this.

Regards, Bob
Mark Fogleman
Posts: 129
Joined: Sat Apr 27, 2013 10:02 pm

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Mark Fogleman »

Mild heat from a desk lamp w/incandescent bulb will loosen the adhesive. Mask the rest of the top w/a piece of corrugated cardboard. I have an old plastic credit card ground to a thin edge on one end to use as a knife to pry it away from the top once the adhesive is softened.
User avatar
Ryan Mazzocco
Posts: 605
Joined: Sat Feb 04, 2012 6:01 pm
Location: Joplin, MO
Contact:

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Ryan Mazzocco »

Just grip it and rip it!

Kidding... Heat should do the trick. start around the edges and slowly peel it up with maybe a thin putty knife or something careful not to dig into the instrument. Then clean the any remaining residue with warm soapy water.
If you need to use something to eat the adhesive be sure you know what kind of finish it has and use something that will not hurt it. Do you know what kind of finish it is?
User avatar
Barry Daniels
Posts: 3186
Joined: Thu Jan 05, 2012 10:58 am
Location: The Woodlands, Texas

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Barry Daniels »

I would use an eyedropper to apply naphtha or mineral spirits along the edge as the pickguard is slowly removed.
MIMF Staff
Bob Orr
Posts: 147
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Nailsea, Nr Bristol, UK

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Bob Orr »

Thanks for the advice guys. Cheers, Bob
Michael Lewis
Posts: 1474
Joined: Thu Jan 12, 2012 1:22 am
Location: Northern California USA
Contact:

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Michael Lewis »

Hair dryer for heat. Naphtha or mineral spirits to dissolve the adhesive after the old guard is off.
Todd Stock
Posts: 394
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:57 pm

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Todd Stock »

Start removal with unwaxed dentil floss...lift an edge and flood with naphtha. On poly and intact lacquer, gentle heat from a heat gun...does not take much...either to release or to damage the finish. On delicate or damaged finishes, naphtha alone will work, although it can be slow going. Some pick guards use a three layer adhesive - 3M 468 is an example...layer of transfer adhesive on either side of a thin scrim of mylar or similar. If possible, try to pull the scrim with guard...if it does not come, treat it like another guard...lift it with floss and naphtha release.

I've had a couple custom guitars where lacquer finish pops opened during the process - this is a damaged/degraded finish situation...remedy for repair guys is to be patient and let the naphtha work. Worst case is some drop-filling, but that can be a real mess on a burst. Builders can prevent the problem by not trying to get four coats of lacquer on a guitar in one spray session.
Clay Schaeffer
Posts: 1674
Joined: Fri Jan 06, 2012 12:04 pm

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Clay Schaeffer »

"Start removal with unwaxed dentil floss...lift an edge and flood with naphtha. On poly and intact lacquer, gentle heat from a heat gun...does not take much"

Keep in mind that naphtha is also sold as Coleman fuel. You may want to use naphtha - OR - gentle heat, but maybe not both at the same time.
Todd Stock
Posts: 394
Joined: Tue Feb 28, 2012 7:57 pm

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Todd Stock »

Heat gun better than a blow torch for this ;-)

Gentle heat...keep fingers near guard while using heat gun...if your hand is uncomfortable, it's probably getting close to flash point for naphtha and well above melt point for adhesive.

Re: those PM's...I know it's hard to find 'Dentil Floss' - check the molding and millwork department at the BORG and specialty millwork stores - usually available by special order...when I was a trim carpenter's helper, it was a common job given to us newbs to go find the stuff at a local yard during lunch break. If you can't find any, always an option to use 'Dental Floss'. Just saying.
Bob Orr
Posts: 147
Joined: Fri Dec 28, 2012 1:20 pm
Location: Nailsea, Nr Bristol, UK

Re: looking for advice to remove a clear self adhesive pick guard

Post by Bob Orr »

Hi guys thanks to all for the input. Used a combination of lighter fuel (only way I can get naptha here!) and a hair drier and it came off a treat. masked rest of top with thick cardboard. Fitted new one using a spray of water and a cork block and it went on first time with no bubbles. Friend is delighted with the results so thanks for you assistance.

Cheers, Bob
Post Reply

Return to “String Instrument Repair: Practical and Political Issues”