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Aging of the varnish
- Thread starter Maleco
- Start date
As a matter of fact, maple darkens over time, and at different rates depending on its environment.
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As a polymer chemist, I can tell you a lot about oxidation and yellowing. Certain finishes will certainly yellow over time. But it is not as easy as say finish A vs finish B. First off, most finishes are exceedingly thin. So regardless of what gets oxidized (browned or yellowed - think banana), it's visual appearance will be, to a certain extent, a function of coating thickness.
Much of what people see as color changes over time has just as much to do with the aging and oxidation of the wood itself (as a previous person mentioned). Aged wood tends to gain a great color (in my opinion) with aging. And this aging does not mean it has been exposed to direct sunlight. Think dosage. If a piece of wood gets exposed to low level of UV over time, it will also darken (or in some cases lighten - i.e. photo-bleach).
So yes, certain finishes will darken wood themselves (even before they oxidize - think stain). Some will continue to oxidize and change color over time. Just remember, the wood itself will. When you see an old maple neck that has a nice tan, don't assume it is the finish. It is more likely the wood.
Much of what people see as color changes over time has just as much to do with the aging and oxidation of the wood itself (as a previous person mentioned). Aged wood tends to gain a great color (in my opinion) with aging. And this aging does not mean it has been exposed to direct sunlight. Think dosage. If a piece of wood gets exposed to low level of UV over time, it will also darken (or in some cases lighten - i.e. photo-bleach).
So yes, certain finishes will darken wood themselves (even before they oxidize - think stain). Some will continue to oxidize and change color over time. Just remember, the wood itself will. When you see an old maple neck that has a nice tan, don't assume it is the finish. It is more likely the wood.
As a matter of fact, maple darkens over time, and at different rates depending on its environment.
Offered as a data point...
Attached is a photo of a hard maple workholding device in my shop. All parts came from the same board in 1995, 25 years ago. I have no idea how long the board was on my or my supplier's rack before I used it.
The bottom is completely unfinished, the top has an oil finish.
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I just replaced the pickups on my bass this morning (thanks, Lindy!) and snapped a photo of the color difference behind the pickguard.
Again, this is a 2003-04 American P and the color is Inca Silver.
joe
Again, this is a 2003-04 American P and the color is Inca Silver.
joe
Here’s a photo of the bass I mentioned earlier. The finish under the pickguard is much lighter than the rest of the body. The body was in fact fairly close to the colour of the fretboard when new. Neck is hard maple, body is soft maple. Whatever the makeup of the two finishes is unknown to me. Six years on a stand.
Yes, this is a poly finish. The yellowing is really noticeable with the guard removed. With it put together it's hard to notice. Probably couldn't tell unless it was sitting next to a brand new one.
joe
