nut and finish

[vtpcnk]

my stupid question of the day :

can the nut be installed before finish? if so, any chances of damage to the nut during finish?

if not, how easy/difficult is it to install the nut by oneself after finish?

appreciate the feedback.

 

[NLD09]

I think the issue would be removal of the nut later when you need a new one. If the finish is over it, it'll chip when you go to remove it.

As far as installation after a neck has been finished, there should be no problems besides typical filing and sanding of the finish within the nut slot.

 

[tfarny]

Yes it can. When finishing, just put tape to cover the nut just as you will cover the whole fretboard.

 

[vtpcnk]

Yes it can. When finishing, just put tape to cover the nut just as you will cover the whole fretboard.

oops forgot to mention that the intended neck is maple/maple.

 

[-CB-]

Speaking only for myself, I fit the nut, mask it, and finish.  You can do a cleanup with a small amount of scraping later if need be. 

As for taking it off later... you cut the seam with a razor knife, and take out the nut, then fit the new one, and repair the little edge thats there with some very light sanding and a little finish... a little leveling and a little buffing - presto, all done.

 

[jackthehack]

"Speaking only for myself, I fit the nut, mask it, and finish.  You can do a cleanup with a small amount of scraping later if need be. "

+1  :icon_thumright:

 

[Funky Phil]

For a Maple board, Fender fit the nut first, then spray the finish (no masking tape).
Then the top of the nut is (usually rather roughly) sanded to remove the finish.
There is always some finish on the front and back of the nut, as well as on the sides.
For a Rosewood board, they mask the board and the front of the nut.

Gibson also do the same, masking the board and front of the nut.

Most other manufacturers (PRS, Taylor...) fit the nut after the neck is finished.

As a result, removing a nut on a PRS takes about 3 seconds.
Removing a nut on a Fender or Gibson can take up to 20 minutes!

The finish first, fit nut later method is kind to techs.
The fit first, finish after looks "authentic" (vintage?)

 

[Rick]

Speaking only for myself, I fit the nut, mask it, and finish.  You can do a cleanup with a small amount of scraping later if need be. "

+1  +1