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UV fading 2016 LP standard

DWS2

Les Paul Froum Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2018
Messages
97
So I have read this forum for a long time. I’m not big on furums due to the vast majority of “experts” that seem to exist. Not being negative but my experience. So I have read a good amount of misinformation about fading. I wanted to share my experiences. I have used many UV methods but prefer the slow process of natural sunlight. It takes time and patience. Any uv lamp that creates heat CAN damage glue and finish. I have NEVER had a issue with sunlight. I obviously avoid peak summertime. I do oil the fret board every once in a while. Every Week or two. I do not cover anything.

My my current project is 2 months in the works. It’s a heritage cherry standard 2016 and it has significant fading. Winter time in NJ NOV DEC JANUARY. First month was no poker chip and no pick guard. Second month is with both. Big bay window direct sun light. Great results. Nice washed cherry along the lines of the historic fades.

Remember NOTHING FAST IS GREAT. take your time and have patience

I have a number of pics to post. Next week I will be rewiring this guitar so I will take pics without the guard and poker chip



First day of fading.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/2B9E07DC-ED8A-4126-89F2-3E88193C9ED2.png

During

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/B576A4C7-90FC-4E33-8AA0-CE5CB845E2ED.png

after 2 month. Pics do it no justice. Huge difference

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/7D0B440A-FBC9-458F-8192-339E479389E4.jpg
 
Last edited:

Triplet

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 13, 2006
Messages
1,675
Golf clap...

Don't expect a whole lot of aging interest here. Maybe review nicolasrivera threads from 2009 or so.
 

harleytech

Member
Joined
May 19, 2017
Messages
70
So I have read this forum for a long time. I’m not big on furums due to the vast majority of “experts” that seem to exist. Not being negative but my experience. So I have read a good amount of misinformation about fading. I wanted to share my experiences. I have used many UV methods but prefer the slow process of natural sunlight. It takes time and patience. Any uv lamp that creates heat CAN damage glue and finish. I have NEVER had a issue with sunlight. I obviously avoid peak summertime. I do oil the fret board every once in a while. Every Week or two. I do not cover anything.

My my current project is 2 months in the works. It’s a heritage cherry standard 2016 and it has significant fading. Winter time in NJ NOV DEC JANUARY. First month was no poker chip and no pick guard. Second month is with both. Big bay window direct sun light. Great results. Nice washed cherry along the lines of the historic fades.

Remember NOTHING FAST IS GREAT. take your time and have patience

I have a number of pics to post. Next week I will be rewiring this guitar so I will take pics without the guard and poker chip



First day of fading.
http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/2B9E07DC-ED8A-4126-89F2-3E88193C9ED2.png

During

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/B576A4C7-90FC-4E33-8AA0-CE5CB845E2ED.png

after 2 month. Pics do it no justice. Huge difference

http://i172.photobucket.com/albums/...oads/7D0B440A-FBC9-458F-8192-339E479389E4.jpg

Question... Are you going to fade the backside too... ?
 

Billy Porter

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 16, 2005
Messages
1,129
Good luck with you fading

I faded my early 70s CSB custom and got some flak but some positive comments here as well. Newer guitars may not fade as fast as the old ‘uns but they do despite what experts here say. Mines still fading despite not being in direct sunlight and I’m far happier with how it looks (still sounds the same though :spabout)
 

DWS2

Les Paul Froum Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2018
Messages
97
Question... Are you going to fade the backside too... ?

Well the way it sits it is getting a decent amount of sun up the sides. The sun comes dead straight into this window and starts on one side and sets on the other. I couldn’t ask for a better situation.

As as far as interest I actually have a number of friends/customers ask about fading. Some aren’t willing to take the time. Other friends I have are music snobs and have the real deal.

I am a a huge fan of subtle colors over the rich deep dark stuff. Love me artificial to me.
 

edselman

Member
Joined
Feb 7, 2009
Messages
82
Looks just like my light burst. And I didn’t have to put out any effort.
 

AJCR

Member
Joined
May 2, 2018
Messages
124
UV will fade anything given time. Typically the discussion about guitar finish and fading relate the ability to fade in comparison to the vintage dyes that quite literally would have given you the same result as you have in 15 minutes. So by comparison, having your guitar in the sun (even indoors where UV is scarce) for 2 months worth is a huge investment in time compared with the 'typical' fading type dyes. Hence the phrase 'they don't fade' as you compare them to the originals.
 

Big Al

Well-known member
Joined
Apr 24, 2002
Messages
14,537
In my experience natural sunlight, over time, gives the best results. First time I tried it with a lamp, caught fire and discovered it before burning the house down. Dumbest thing I've ever done.
 

Bruce R

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 2, 2007
Messages
1,029
DWS2,

I am curious on how your sunlight fading efforts are going along these days? I just started a similar thread asking if folks have seen any evidence of their True Historics fading yet, but haven't gotten any response! I am looking at a 2015 Heritage Cherry R0 and the finish is my least favorite thing about it.
 
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