Bridge marking and fixing before after finish

[segovia]

From what I can gather there are two approaches to this process

1, finish the top and scratch out the lacquer or finish
2, mask of the bridge and finish around it

As I have not reached that stage yet I can't judge on either approach.

Do the options depend on the finish for example Oil or Shellac finishes, it seems to me that masking is ok if you are suing a spray or brush finish but masking when rubbing oil or shellac could be a problem. Also when you wet n dry wont it tend to lift if it gets wet ?

J

[johnnparchem]

I have used tape while french polishing with shellac no problem.

I have done both ways tape and no tape. Overall I like to put tape on. The less time I spend around a finished top with sharp tools the better. I undersized the mask so I still have to go back and remove finish. Just a lot less.