Finishing over the side of the fretboard?

[rspst14]

A quick question about finishing a maple neck with an ebony fretboard...I have two guitars that have a finished neck, unfinished rosewood fretboard, and no binding.  On both of these, there is a clear finish that goes over the fret ends and the side of the fretboard where the side dots are positioned. 

When I tape off the fretboard prior to applying the finish, should I also tape off the sides, or just wipe the finish over the sides of the ebony board and the fret ends?  Thanks.

 

[stratamania]

The ebony boards I have the finish extends to the sides. Not the playing surface.

If the finish was to terminate at the point where the main neck material met the fingerboard, you would most likely have a ridge which as a player you would feel.

If it terminates at the top of the side of the fingerboard, you can blend it with fine sandpaper at the angle or rolled edge.

 

[Cagey]

I agree with Stratamania - you want to finish the sides of the fretboard, and that's how it's usually done. However, be sure to clean those edges very thoroughly with naphtha or denatured alcohol just before you apply finish. Avoid acetone, lest it melt your fret markers, and don't touch those areas afterward with your bare hands. Most fretboard woods are naturally oily and don't want to take finish, so you have to get them really dry and clean.