I've only ever done cloth, and I do cheap 3mil plastic wrap from Home Depot, over as much of the bike as you want. Heavy duty painters tape over the brake cables and hoods - if you leave them on during the application. Makes an easier cleanup too.
Originally Posted by
himespau
Stupid question about the shellacing:
Did you do it on your bike or did you take the bars off and put them on a vice? If you left it on your bike were you worried about shellac dripping on the bike if your brush got too much on it?