Newspaper ink stains

[Stray Feathers]

I was prepping instruments today for lacquer, after filler and sealer, and was reminded that I should not lay newspaper under the instruments (in case of spills etc.) I discovered last year that when I was wet sanding the finish, the inks were staining some of the wood - even though it was finished. Holly binding was the worst, and I thought maybe it was peculiar to that wood. But this year I have found the same thing, and it may be reacting with the Aquacoat filler. It stained the bottom end of a Black Locust guitar, bound with maple, where I had stood it up to sand the neck perhaps.I was able to sand the stains out, and touch up with more sealer, but I am glad I did not get to the lacquer coats. So I now use (when I remember . . .) brown kraft paper underneath instead of newspaper. Newspaper roll ends would be fine too. Bruce W.

[TEETERFAN]

Great tip. Thanks for posting this and saving us from finding out the hard way!