ive done a few scratch builds thet have had maple necks,or in one case an ebony board that needed spraying white....sick but it was the customers choice.
I do normally mask the frets,but it takes ages...warmoth are great guys but no one could expect them to be able to make such great parts and spend an extra hour per neck masking for the same price.
The nail trick or being very carefull with a scalple as a scraper NOT a cutter and every body will be happy.
If your wondering about what kind of sicko would like an ebony board sprayed white there are some pic on my my space...look for the upside down guitar player...edit the pic after a few beers!
www.myspace.com/neilsguitarworks
have fun guys and girls