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I don't remember seeing any comments on this so thought I would ask.   I am wondering how most cover the soundhole when spraying finish to avoid overspray inside the guitar. I have tried several things like making a soft ball of newspaper, but haven't really been happy with that approach. I am spraying mostly McFadden's nitro. thanks! Tom H

I use a ballon and a piece of card, blow up the Baloon inside the guitar and then use it to hold the card in place behind the sound hole. When you are done pop the balloon.

I also use a ballon and cardboard.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I had thought of a balloon, but thought the nitro might dissolve it, the card takes care of that doesn't it? Wow! other ideas?   thanks! Tom H

nitro won't pop it or cause problems, but sanding will pop them so have a bag of them. I use now an old soundhole humidifier thing made up

I use a large sponge and a potato salad lid works great.

A lid from a cottage cheese container (or something like it) secured by a chunk of foam works great.

balloon and a butter container lid

Charlie Hoffman's site has a photo of a chip dip container held in place with a sponge from the bottom.

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

I use good old masking tape.
I first line around the edges with the sticky side facing out,then finish with the sticky side facing down.

Yeah ,like Brad said. I tried the balloon and thin cardboard but like the tape better. It's personal preference.
Never thought about a plastic lid. I learn something new everytime I visit the forum. It's great.

I just blow up a balloon in the soundhole. No card. It works fine.

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Sylvan
http://www.wellsguitars.com

   I do like martin and use a 1/2 pint deli cup and a block of foam. The nice thing with this set up is you can set a card between the cup and top to get an idea on how much lacquer you spray.
john

Thank you all for the replies.   I'm ready with my balloons now! Tom

Like Sylvan, I just use a baloon by itself. It leaves the smallest little lip of lacquer build-up right at the edge of the hole, but that trims off easily once the baloon is popped.

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com