Paint Thinner

[Toneman]

I was running low on blue painters tape, so, I attached my pattern straight to the wood with 3M adhesive spray. After cutting, I sprayed the pattern very lightly with paint thinner and the pattern came off very easily. My question is, will the paint thinner harm the wood and will it interfere with the oils and stains? I love the blue tape, but, it is getting expensive and the pattern comes off a lot easier using the thinner.

Tony,aka,Toneman

[Russ C]

No the paint thinner will not harm the wood for paints, stains or oils. Just make sure all the glue is removed and make sure and let it dry out real good, usually a couple of hours. Drying time also depends on temp and humidity. I have put a project in direct sunlight on a warm day and had it dry in 30 minutes. I use this method on all my projects and never had any problems. This is how I do it. I lay the pattern face down and spray the back of the pattern. Then I immediately pick it up and apply it to the wood. It adheres much better and doesn't lift while cutting. Hope this helps.  

[dgman]

Hey Tony, As Russ said, it will not harm the wood or interfere with any finish. I do this regularly. I do not use blue painters tape under the pattern because is has always been difficult to remove  between small cutouts. I use clear packing over the pattern to help lubricate the blade. I use mineral spirits instead of paint thinner. I keep a spray bottle filled with MS for that reason. Mineral spirits is the same thing as paint thinner except it is deodorized. The MS will penetrate under the clear packing tape from the edges especially on fret work. If there is not a lot of fret work, I use a heat gun on the pattern to loosen it. Then when the pattern is removed, I lightly spritz with MS and wipe down with a clean rag to remove any residual spray glue.

[Keefie]

I too use celulose thinners to remove patterns, after removing the pattern I wipe the wood with a clean kitchen towel with thinners on to remove any glue residue. It's dry within minutes and I haven't had any trouble with any finishes I have applied afterwards.

[Al W]

I have used both methods, and personally do not have a strong preference.  I am still using the blue tape, but then I have several rolls available.

I find I have better results when I spray the glue on the back of the pattern, give it about 30 seconds or so to set up a bit, then place it on the wood or tape, cover with clear tape, and cut away (when the scroll saw is working).

These products should not have any affect on your wood, given that you DO allow time for it to dry.

Happy Cutting.

[julief]

I keep a spray bottle of mineral spirits handy.  I only tape my projects if I am using a wood that tends to burn.  Otherwise, I use spray adhesive on the pattern and stick it right to the wood.  When I'm done, a few spritzes of spirits and voila!  pattern comes right off.

[Jim Finn]

I am glad I read this thread.  I tried using paint thinner  in a spray bottle to remove the patter which I applied with spray adhesive.  Works great.  I had this spray bottle of thinner to spray  on a rag to use as a tack cloth.  Also works great.

[ChuckD]

The first roll of Blue painter tape I saw was expensive, very expensive.  So I continue to use was I always use and that is the cheapest masking tape I can find.  Anymore it doesn't make any difference because the top piece i discarded.  I use laum or poster board, door skin, etc.  All it has to be is thin.  Good luck