Maybe you can help me out

[Greenman]

The finish on my bass is black dyed flame maple top and solid black gloss varathane poplar back covered with Defthane poly. The top is developing tiny ripples in the finish but the back remains flat and true.These are old pics.
Is it the cheap top I bought off the bay finally drying out? Did I apply too much finish too quickly?
My camera is gone to camp so no pics till Mon. Has anyone seen this before?



Thanks

edit: The ripples correspond with the grain of the wood.

[erikbojerik]

The ripples are parallel to the grain, or parallel to the flame?

I'm thinking its just the finish shrinking into the wood. Did you use any sanding sealer underneath the poly?

[wilser]

Originally Posted by erikbojerik

The ripples are parallel to the grain, or parallel to the flame?

I'm thinking its just the finish shrinking into the wood. Did you use any sanding sealer underneath the poly?

Ditto, this is probably it. Most finishes take a month or two to fully cure. This is why you should always wait at least 4 weeks before final leveling and polishing.

[Greenman]

I'll wait a month and redue the top coat. I usually use the finish as a filler and not have this problem before. Live and learn.
Sorry guys I'm going fishin'