Clear Pickguard Blank for Acoustic or Classical Guitar

Cutting
The plastic in these pickguard blanks is thin enough to be cut with a sharp Stanley knife or single-edge razor blade. Be careful to always cut away from your fingers to avoid injury.

The edges of the pickguard can be smoothed out with a sanding block then polished down in the grades of sandpaper until the desired finish is achieved. A bevel is sometimes used on the edges.

A router with a ball-bearing router bit and template can also be used to cut the material.

Application
Warning: The adhesive on this Mylar® is very sticky. If you do not have experience working with this product, it is advised that you practice on a not so important instrument first, or seek the help of a professional luthier. Removal can be difficult, and finish damage is always possible!

Application temperature: Ambient temperature should be 50 degrees F. (10 degrees C.) or above.

Use some small pieces of masking tape to mark the position of the pickguard in a few places on the top of the guitar.

Dry installation: Clean and dry the application surface. Peel the backing paper down 1" from the top, and fold and crease the backing paper. Align the plastic and apply it, starting at the top, using firm strokes with a plastic squeegee, stiff cardboard or a soft cloth. Continue to remove the backing paper and smooth out the plastic with the squeegee. If air bubbles form, puncture them and smooth them out.

Wet installation: Clean and dry the application surface. For best results, prepare a wetting solution (2 to 3 teaspoons of Windex® or liquid detergent in a gallon of water), or use plain water. With the Mylar face down, remove the backing paper slowly. Using a sponge, flood the application surface and the adhesive-coated side of the Mylar. Position the plastic and squeegee it from top to bottom, using light overlapping strokes. Dry the entire area with a clean cloth, and squeegee again with firm strokes, working from the centre outward toward each edge. Squeegee again after 24 hours. Ultimate adhesion will occur 24-48 hours after application.

Cleaning: Use a detergent solution or mild soap and warm water, and a soft cloth. Certain types of dirt and grease may need to be removed with mineral spirits or naphtha.

Removal: Removal is not recommended as it is very easy to damage the instrument. If removal is necessary start by inserting a sharp knife or razor blade under a corner and peeling carefully should let you remove the Mylar in fairly large strips. Most of the residue can be removed by lifting it with the adhesive side of the removed plastic. If this is unsuccessful, soak the residue with a mild solvent such as naphtha. Make sure not to damage the finish of the instrument. Try out the solvent in an inconspicuous spot.