Sunlight on Rics

[david/wales/u.k]

Have read in various parts of the forum about people putting their Rics in bright sunlight..(to change coloring e.t.c).........Wouldn't this have a detrimental effect on the finish/guitar though. The manual states that the guitar shouldn't be placed in 'harsh' sunlight but I thought that any sunlight on the finish wouldn't be good for the guitar. The reason I ask is because I had mould on mine (mapleglo) and have got rid of most of it but there is still a slight dark patch on it and was wondering if putting it in the sun may lighten that dark patch. Previously wouldn't have done this but after reading about others doing it just wondering if it would help or harm.

[loendmaestro]

I remember seeing a picture of a Trans Blue 4004 that had been sitting in a shop window for a long time & it faded pretty badly. It turned kinda purple-ish. Maybe it was somewhere on this forum? My memory fails me....i should have taken better care of myself in the '80s. And '90s. Uh, and the early aughts too.

[idealassets]

i should have taken better care of myself in the '80s. And '90s. Uh, and the early aughts too.

Ugh, yes too much sunlight is far more forgiving on the guitar than it is on the human body.

Craig

[collin]

Rics made earlier than 2009 (?) will indeed fade or darken with sunlight, but the new models use UV paint, and will not change over time.

However, if your guitar does have the earlier CV paint, it is more likely to fade evenly....ie, the darker areas around the spot will further darken at the same rate as the spot, potentially making it even more pronounced and noticeable.