Official Luthiers Forum!

Hi everyone, I'm nearing completion of my 2 L-00 builds and I'm wondering what your thoughts are about celluloid pickguards, especially over a nitro finish, using 3M 467 adhesive sheet to attach. Should that be ok, or will there be issues?
thanks Mike.

Issues now? Or issues in 35 years?

I don't suppose I should worry at my age(72) , but I've read about self combustion etc, although my main concern was whether the nitro-cellulose finish would be somehow affected by a celluloid guard, even with a layer of adhesive in between. Thanks.

I don’t think there’s any issue of short term compatibility.

For me, it's like 50 year roofs vs 30 year roofs. It would only be a matter of posthumous pride for me. It's extremely unlikely I'll see either!

Dave

Celluloid guards attached with acrylic transfer adhesives have been in use since the early 1980's, so 40 years would seem to be a suitable long-term trial. While I would not suggest a lacquer-over finish with a cellulose nitrate guard, I have not seen or heard of any issues beyond one custom-built instrument from a non-US builder that had such poor adhesion of the finish that guard removal in prep to install a nicer tortoise versus the black vinyl, square-edged builder-installed guard saw some refinish required. Given the design, materials, and workmanship issues we had seen on that builder's previous instruments, not an adhesive compatibility issue.

We used/I continue to use 3M 468, which has demonstrated compatibility with cellulose nitrate and acetate guards, as well as functions as a barrier film to prevent migration of plasticizers between finish and vinyl guards.

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