Curious About Finish Fogging on Older PRS Guitars

[flatfeed611]

It appears that some older PRSi guitars may experience cloudiness issues. While some suggest this problem is more common with pre-2010 finishes, others believe it could affect models up to 2016.

That said, I’m curious if this clouding issue is more prevalent with certain colors vs others. Additionally, I’d appreciate any general advice for someone considering a second-hand PRS guitar, particularly tips for avoiding models that might have this problem.

 

[JasonE]

I had it happen with one of mine, a 2012 SC-58, V12 finish. The guitar has a natural back. PRS refinished it with nitro two or three years ago. The guitar was never mistreated or subjected to extreme temperature changes. It seems to mostly happen to guitars with a natural colored finish from what I have seen.

 

[László]

The problem with a poly finish is that it's hard plastic. That's great, but if the guitar's wood shrinks a little, it can pull away from the finish, and moisture can get in the space.

I had it happen on a couple of necks on relatively new ones when I had poly-finished PRS'. The finish color didn't seem to matter, they were both different. But it wouldn't make much sense for color to affect that process anyway.

PRS took care of mine under warranty, and they stayed perfect for years.

 

[Dirty_Boogie]

Happened on both my 2006 CU24 and 2018 CU22. Both had clear-coated natural backs/necks - that's where the clouding happened. The 2018 was refinished under warranty. I left the 2006 as-is - I don't see it, and it doesn't bother me.

 

[Bogner]

It Happened On My Limited Edition Tremonti Tribal By the Neck Pocket And Fretboard Markers. It Isn't A Very Big Blemish However It Annoys Me Until I Don't Let It Annoy Me.

 

[JasonE]

It Happened On My Limited Edition Tremonti Tribal By the Neck Pocket And Fretboard Markers. It Isn't A Very Big Blemish However It Annoys Me Until I Don't Let It Annoy Me.

What is the finish color on that part of the guitar?

 

[sergiodeblanc]

What is the finish color on that part of the guitar?

Tribals only came in one color.

The most metal of colors.

 

[JasonE]

Tribals only came in one color.

The most metal of colors.

Interesting. I am not sure that I have ever seen that happen to a black PRS.

 

[aphantomvaper]

My '02 CU24 has no clouding. Red Back and Neck, Vintage Yellow(?) front and 10 top.

 

[SinSir]

Moisture under clear and no real answers why when or where going to happen besides speculation. Many of us have theories. Only fix is a refin or live with it. Personally I live with it. Even got a smokin hot deal on a guitar because of it. Win

 

[24Fretter]

Problem up to the new nitro over acrylic finish. Can happen to any color. Contrary to some posts on other threads RE this, CANNOT be fixed by heat or any other method short of refin. Last I checked, which was over a year ago, PRS wanted north of $2k and to have your guitar for at least 2 years to refin, which is basically the middle finger.

There are 3rd parties who can do it.

Doesn't exist on every guitar of that era, but probably inevitable given enough time.

Problem with the new finish seems to be it can crack. Had one crack on a '21 that spent it's life in the studio and in a hard shell case in a temp/humidity controlled room, never dropped or abused. Very disappointing. They just can't seem to get the finish thing right.

 

[bodia]

Problem up to the new nitro over acrylic finish. Can happen to any color. Contrary to some posts on other threads RE this, CANNOT be fixed by heat or any other method short of refin. Last I checked, which was over a year ago, PRS wanted north of $2k and to have your guitar for at least 2 years to refin, which is basically the middle finger.

There are 3rd parties who can do it.

Doesn't exist on every guitar of that era, but probably inevitable given enough time.

Problem with the new finish seems to be it can crack. Had one crack on a '21 that spent it's life in the studio and in a hard shell case in a temp/humidity controlled room, never dropped or abused. Very disappointing. They just can't seem to get the finish thing right.

I’ve had two refinished by the PTC. No where near $2k. I was quoted 16 weeks on both. First one was very bit of 16 weeks, and the 2nd one was back in 6 weeks. I also had a neck refinished under warranty that took 5 weeks.

 

[24Fretter]

I’ve had two refinished by the PTC. No where near $2k. I was quoted 16 weeks on both. First one was very bit of 16 weeks, and the 2nd one was back in 6 weeks. I also had a neck refinished under warranty that took 5 weeks.

And that was when? Before covid, that was normal. What I said is their position as of 2023.

 

[JasonE]

Problem up to the new nitro over acrylic finish. Can happen to any color. Contrary to some posts on other threads RE this, CANNOT be fixed by heat or any other method short of refin. Last I checked, which was over a year ago, PRS wanted north of $2k and to have your guitar for at least 2 years to refin, which is basically the middle finger.

There are 3rd parties who can do it.

Doesn't exist on every guitar of that era, but probably inevitable given enough time.

Problem with the new finish seems to be it can crack. Had one crack on a '21 that spent it's life in the studio and in a hard shell case in a temp/humidity controlled room, never dropped or abused. Very disappointing. They just can't seem to get the finish thing right.

PRS refinished the one I had the fogging issue with under warrantee. They had it back to me within a month. That was two or three years ago. I would have to go find some of the emails to be able to tell you exactly when it was. Back then I know that if you were not covered by warrantee you could get it refinished for just over a third of that $2k you mentioned.

 

[bodia]

And that was when? Before covid, that was normal. What I said is their position as of 2023.

Fair point. It was late 2019 for the last one.

I don’t know if I would go so far as to say they just can’t get the finish thing right though. It happens to a small percentage of guitars. I’ve had close to 50 over the years. I had fogging on the heel and back of the headstock of a ‘98 Santana, V12 peeling on the neck of a DC-22 (warranty). That’s it. Models range in age from ‘91 to ‘24.

 

[24Fretter]

Fair point. It was late 2019 for the last one.

I don’t know if I would go so far as to say they just can’t get the finish thing right though. It happens to a small percentage of guitars. I’ve had close to 50 over the years. I had fogging on the heel and back of the headstock of a ‘98 Santana, V12 peeling on the neck of a DC-22 (warranty). That’s it. Models range in age from ‘91 to ‘24.

I've had 5 now with varying issues, and I've seen a whole lot more. And unlike nitro, the old finishes are not hot, so you have to remove the old finish before respray. I've done that, not fun.

 

[flatfeed611]

It seems like natural finishes are more prone to this issue, based on reports from others. Has anyone noticed if other color finishes are also more susceptible?

 

[24Fretter]

It seems like natural finishes are more prone to this issue, based on reports from others. Has anyone noticed if other color finishes are also more susceptible?

I wouldn't say that necessarily. I've seen it on colored finishes only myself.

 

[DreamTheaterRules]

Interesting. I am not sure that I have ever seen that happen to a black PRS.

He meant pink. Remember who you’re talking too.

 

[SinSir]

It seems like natural finishes are more prone to this issue

Internet fake news.. its not color specific.