Q about finish clouding ...

[Kiwi]

First, let me say this about that: I am a longtime PRS owner and forum member. I am not making this post to bag on QC as some n00bZ here do.

I have owned this 1999 PRS HB-II since Labor Day 2000 and it has been my #1 over the next 21 years. I love it and I'll take it to the old folks home when I get decrepit.

My Q: Does the clouding under the finish ever clear up?

It has developed over time for the two decades that I've played it, and for some reason I think it comes and goes. Some years more, some years less.

See pictures from this week:

Pretty serious on the neck heel, at the end grain:

Visible if you're looking for it, on the back of the body:
1) Open grain on the edge of the contour:

2) That's not a reflection, on the back:

Does this ever go away, or get worse or better? Asking because I notice this stuff - but it doesn't bother me because the instrument itself has called me by my secret name for two decades.

=K

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Yeah, I have never seen it get better.

Nothing you can do besides a refin too.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Yeah, I have never seen it get better.

Nothing you can do besides a refin too.

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Oof! Double post

 

[bodia]

I’ve got a couple like that. Thankfully they haven’t gotten much worse. Only thing to correct it, as Sergio said, is a refin.

 

[Kiwi]

Thanks guys. That's what I guessed. I'm fine with it as is.

Was it internal, like residual moisture or something under the poly? Or external, like humidity in my house? Just curious.

-K-

 

[bodia]

Thanks guys. That's what I guessed. I'm fine with it as is.

Was it internal, like residual moisture or something under the poly? Or external, like humidity in my house? Just curious.

-K-

I seem to recall it being moisture trapped under the top coat. Not sure about home conditions causing it. May bring it about sooner? I only say that because some have posted pics of guitars that live in tropical areas that appear worse.

 

[László]

I think the older finishes could lift for whatever reason, and have moisture build up.

The guitar looks great, so for me, it wouldn't be a worry.

 

[Tonart]

One of the very few disappointing things about PRS, but a very very disappointing one at that. I must say. I have 2 guitars with this problem, and they are Private Stock guitars. Nothing can be done about it, except stripping and refinishing.

 

[ViperDoc]

If you're feeling adventurous, you might try placing a heating blanket on it indirectly, like over a thin towel. This commonly happens on film-finished wood furniture, and you can "steam it out" with a warm iron over a cloth. Too hot and you could ruin the finish, but just right and you might see an improvement. Your call. Start slow and low!

 

[Sybo]

21 years, if it hasn’t cleared in the first year , I think you see.. it’s a BEAUTIFUL instrument, cherish it, and one day “ ROCK THEIR SH%T” in the old folks home!!!!!!

 

[Kiwi]

Cherish it, and one day “ ROCK THEIR SH%T” in the old folks home!!!!!!

Hah! I sometimes daydream about exactly that ... and about deciding which Marshall amp with which to rock. Is 50w into a 2x12 too much? Because we're all gonna have hearing loss when we arrive there.

Business opportunity: Assisted living facility for us decrepit old rockers that allows electric guitars and amps, encourages formation of weekly in-home jams, and sponsors Battle of the Geezer Bands twice a year at happy hour.

I can't be the only person here who's thought of this, right? Right?

=K

PS - I have dibs on the band name "Memory Care."

 

[sergiodeblanc]

Hah! I sometimes daydream about exactly that ... and about deciding which Marshall amp with which to rock. Is 50w into a 2x12 too much? Because we're all gonna have hearing loss when we arrive there.

Business opportunity: Assisted living facility for us decrepit old rockers that allows electric guitars and amps, encourages formation of weekly in-home jams, and sponsors Battle of the Geezer Bands twice a year at happy hour.

I can't be the only person here who's thought of this, right? Right?

=K

PS - I have dibs on the band name "Memory Care."

Sh!t… I’d move there now.

 

[Peter Burtwistle]

I have had this on a couple of older guitars (oddly enough both 2000 year) and I sorted it using a hairdryer on mild heat.
Keep the dryer moving to spread the heat and the bloom should reduce. I believe that it's moisture under the clear coat that causes it.

After having done that I keep silica gel bags in the cases now and it hasn't returned.

 

[Kiwi]

I have had this on a couple of older guitars (oddly enough both 2000 year) and I sorted it using a hairdryer on mild heat.
Keep the dryer moving to spread the heat and the bloom should reduce. I believe that it's moisture under the clear coat that causes it.

After having done that I keep silica gel bags in the cases now and it hasn't returned.

Interesting. Thanks for posting.

Anyone else done this, or similar?

=K

 

[g.wizz]

Hah! I sometimes daydream about exactly that ... and about deciding which Marshall amp with which to rock. Is 50w into a 2x12 too much? Because we're all gonna have hearing loss when we arrive there.

Business opportunity: Assisted living facility for us decrepit old rockers that allows electric guitars and amps, encourages formation of weekly in-home jams, and sponsors Battle of the Geezer Bands twice a year at happy hour.

I can't be the only person here who's thought of this, right? Right?

=K

PS - I have dibs on the band name "Memory Care."

I picture myself jamming in a blues bar