Finish Problem Need Help?

[jingle_jangle]

There would be no outgassing of cellulose nitrate parts on a bass this relatively new...this is mostly a problem with old Gibsons, Gretsches, and Martins, etc., of earlier than mid '60s vintage.

Fender had gone to cellulose acetate butyrate, which is quite stable compared to the old cellulose nitrate parts.

[henry5]

Paul, if Relic-itis means you start to LOOK like Jaco's bass (condition-wise I mean!), then I think you're right....

[dale_fortune]

Remove the body from the neck and use 800 then 1000 grit wet/dry paper with water to remove most of the imperfections. Then with a power buffer,water and white polishing compound, buff out the body, this will remove the top layer(.002) and bring back the high luster to the polyester finish. This type of finish deterioration was quite common in the 70's and 80's due to various types of polishes and chemical reactions that left imprints in the top layers of the finish.

[rikk]

My Fender in question is a 1978.

[dale_fortune]

From only looking at the picture you've posted, I'd say since the clear that was applied over the color is very thick, you have a lot to work with. I've sanded out most surface marks like this and then buffed out the rest with good results. I had many Fenders come into the shop where the player would leave the polishing cloth in the case under the body at the heel of the neck. I noticed that people who used Pledge Lemon Oil on the cloth would leave an imprint/residue that marred the top coat. It was usually easy to remove with a bit of polishing compound on a damp cloth. The ones with deeper marks had to be lightly sanded and power buffed out. Just my fiddy cent opinion...

[beatlefreak]

Rikk -

Then Paul would be absolutely right. It would not be the plastic breaking down.