A layer of fiberglass might help to prevent dinging of the edges, but don't use tape. Tape uses longitudinal and cross weave and has bound edges. Instead, cut strips of cloth on the bias. You will get a stronger barrier and a lot less sanding on the edges. -Wes

Good idea - this worked like a charm.  The bias-cut cloth is flexible enough to go around the curves on  the blades, too.  Now back to filling and sanding and filling and sanding and filling and . . . . :-)