[Jim Dutridge]

Once I finish the chassis on my Philco 80 i need to turn my attention to the cabinet. Since I am not able to use any spraying equipment I am going with Howards but what do I use for masking? I tried an area of the middle section with some Frog Tape and after only about 2 minutes I pulled it off and noticed some of the old finish came off with the tape.

[poulsbobill]

I've had that happen with fresh lacquer too. I now put the tape om my house carpet a few times,
getting rid of most of the sticky. You don't need a perfect seal.
For howards, i don't even know you need anything. Just be carful near the edges you don't want any of that on.

Bill

[Dan Walker]

I have had the same thing happen,  especially if the lacquer has not had time to cure..
In that case  I use FROG tape.     Use the YELLOW tape as is is made for delicate surfaces.
 Dan in Calgary

[Jim Dutridge]

Howards is now out of the picture since someone in the past applied something on the cabinet front and managed to get it into the center area. I know its going to take some sanding to get that removed but now it takes me into refinishing which I have never done. I do not have any place in which to spray cabinets except outside.

   

[poulsbobill]

I spray outside.  Windless day.  I do it half in the garage half out so  i get some light.
Lacquer very forgiving.  Also mineral spirits will show you what it will look like before you  spray.  Sand, then  some  mineral spirits  look ok...spray.  Fill in the grain if you think it will help.
Doesn't look right? sand it /strip it all off. I have many times, until i like it. 
You should of seen this before i cleaned it up  https://antiqueradios.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=417894

Bill

[Radioroslyn]

Be careful w/sanding it's easy to sand thru any veneered surface and that can be a problem. I like chemical strippers to remove old finishes. Lacquer thinner and a rag work good if you can stand the odor. Or Citristrip is not bad used w/ some odor less mineral spirits for the final cleanup.

I don't have a dedicated room or out building to spray in either. I do it out doors. Just a couple of rules, 60/60 temp above 60deg and humidity below 60%,  windy days are not a good day to spray. Oh and if your neighbor is running a mower or leaf blower not so good either.

I don't think that Howard's is going do much to even out the light vs dark areas or where the toned lacquer is worn off. It's more of a add a little bit of darkness the shine to it kinda stuff but where there's that much contrast it falls short.