MIMF

I was wondering if anyone had any thoughts on this. I build ukuleles mainly and use ungeared friction keys, usually Gotoh. The lacquer around the tuning key holes fractures and chips very easily. When I install the keys for the first time and then remove them, the area around the holes chips and crumbles sometimes.
Is there any way of preventing this? I use West System epoxy to fill the grain and Behlen's instrument lacquer over that. I'd like to start using Pegheds geared tuning pegs but I don't think there is they use a bushing on the top surface of the headstock which would make upgrading from Gotoh to Pegheds difficult.
What is it? Bad adhesion? Any ideas?

Thanks,
Steve

For an area as small as the face of the peghead you could use the epoxy as a finish and buff it to a high gloss. It might be a bit tougher.
Do you slightly chamfer the edges of the tuning key holes before finishing?

From your description it sounds like you have too much finish on the instrument. The thicker lacquer is the easier it chips.