Removing Celluloid Guitar Binding
Celluloid is a tough, flammable plastic most often associated with motion picture film. It's also used to make decorative bindings for guitars. Although binding enhances the appearance of an instrument, it serves a protective function as well. Luthiers use it to cover and reinforce the end-grain of the wood from which guitars and other stringed instruments are made. Celluloid binding is attractive and less expensive than wood binding, but does decay over time and eventually must be replaced. Removing celluloid guitar binding is a tricky job that requires precision, a steady hand and plenty of time.
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Things You'll Need
- Flat, well-cushioned work surface
- Painter's masking tape
- Sharp craft knife
- Miniature spatula, screwdriver or other delicate prying tool
Instructions
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Place the guitar on a flat, well-padded work surface.
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Apply painter's masking tape to the area of the guitar being repaired to protect the finish. Place a strip of tape along both sides of the binding. Position the tape as close to the edge of the binding as possible.
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Employ a sharp craft knife to carefully cut through the finish on both edges of the binding. Score along the entire length of the repair. Don't press hard with the knife. Make several light passes with the tip of the blade to accomplish the cut instead. Ensure that you cut completely though the finish covering the celluloid or you could get tear-out as you remove the binding.
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Cut through the binding at the beginning and end of the repair area. Employ a gentle rocking motion with the knife to make a clean, square cut through the celluloid. Avoid gouging the surrounding wood.
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Pry the binding gently away from the edge of the wood with a small tool such as a spatula made for precision work or a miniature screwdriver. Employ the tool to loosen the binding at the top and bottom of the ledge where the binding sits, one small section at a time. Work slowly and carefully.
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Remove any traces of decomposed celluloid or glue from the wood of the binding ledge using the craft knife or edge of the prying tool.
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Tips & Warnings
Don't work on an expensive instrument without a great deal of practice on an inexpensive or already damaged guitar first.
Removing celluloid binding is time-consuming, painstaking work. If you're not a patient person with great attention to detail, leave the job to a professional.
Celluloid is an extremely flammable material. Use caution around open flames.
References
Resources
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