Natural satin finish going cloudy - explanation?

punkjazzben · #1 03-21-2012, 01:16 AM

Hi all,

I have a Yamaha RBX270J in natural satin, bought new in 2009. I have not gigged with it much, but it does get used for practice at home a lot.

Its finish has some spots where it seems to have become darker where my hands or fingers are often in contact (mostly just above the pup). That seems like natural wear. But, other areas seem to be going 'cloudy', and its gotten worse over the last year or so. The worst area is on the inside edge of both the horns and around the neck pocket, where it's almost white.

Can anyone explain this to me, and is there any way I can fix it?

Cheers!

Jazzdogg · #2 03-21-2012, 12:57 PM

Any idea what the finish is?

If it's nitrocellulose lacquer, "clouding" is an indication that moisture is trapped within the finish.

punkjazzben · #3 03-21-2012, 02:54 PM

Unfortunately I couldn't tell you exactly what the finish is - it is matte, not glossy, and that's about the extent of my knowledge here. I am no expert when it comes to these things and I searched around but nothing came up. I'll post some pictures later, that might help.

Jazzdogg · #4 03-21-2012, 05:37 PM

If it's nitrocellulose lacquer, wiping with a rag moistened with lacquer thinner (in an inconspicuous area) will soften or remove the finish.