Single malt or double?

Single, of course. Sheesh!

Just checking. You really don't want to bring a double malt anywhere near a nitro finish... :p

Another vote for Goo Gone...

Water and lacquer do not mix. Get ready for a white water spot.

Go with the 1st post WD 40. It won't hurt the finish & will remove the adhesive with a soft cloth.

spray on some WD40 let it sit for about 5 mins spray on more then carefully work the tape off the wood

NOTE do a small section to see if its softening the finish it shouldn't

I agree with Dave. Get it wet, but not too wet and it should come off. Then naphtha/lighter fluid to get the goo off. Most old guits were nitro finish so acetone lacquer thinner,are off the list. I do use mineral spirits on wood finishes on fine guns. As long as it's not left on long it does no harm. Yo may want to try some orange oil that is sold in wood working supply houses too. Ask them how it reacts on nitrocellulouse finish. Think of it as a fine custom paint job on a car and what would you use on that.

I've got some warm, soapy water and am about to do this^^ I just noticed that the petrified masking tape and goo are also on the black, plastic pot cover on the back of this guitar body. So.....I'm curious as to whether the lighter fluid will attack the plastic.

use WD 40

Dunno about the plastic, but keep the WD40 away from the nitro finish.

I don't have WD40. I'll just try some MEK. Kidding.......

The lighter fluid seems to be not attacking the finish or the plastic, but this masking tape goo is like stone. Not coming off easy. But it is coming off. Slooooowly

The lighter fluid is still a struggle, but the scotch is doing a great job.

It might take some time... If the finish around the area is not checked or deeply scratched, you can let the water sit on the glue for a little, it won't harm the finish that quickly. When I rubbed out each few coats on my project with sandpaper, I used water as lubrication and it sat for a long time until I wiped it down and set it in the sun to further dry.

It's a pretty nice finish. Deep. Not cracked. Neither the water nor the lighter fluid seems to be bothering it. Still.....this is like removing concrete. Patience is a good thing. My Dremel hasn't been involved at all. And ummm...., old guys should be in bed at this hour, Dave.

If you are feeling really bold, try the goo gone, but in a hidden location! Have plenty of scotch on hand as well..

Dave,

Not guitar related, but I have used lots of nitrocellulouse lacquer as well as pre cat. lacquer over the years, and have found WD40 to be a great product for taking off tape residue. Spry on, allow to sit for a few, then rub off with a cloth. No damage at all. Please tell me about your experience wwith WD40 and lacquer. If there's a better solution or faster one, I like to know.

Jeff

Jeff,

I admit to having no real experience, other than what I have researched online. Hours and hours... What I do know, from first hand experience, is that water and soap is a good first alternative for nitro.

WD40 and guitars seem to be a no-no.. That said, again, if you try something else, just try in a hidden place first.. You never know...