Fading/Blemishes On White Guitars

[Big Red]

Hi Folks,

I have typically avoided white-colored guitars due to the fact that they look somewhat plain. That was until I saw a particular one in my local guitar shop.
My question is, does the white fade over time (e.g. 5 or 10 years), and if so, how badly? Also, are fingerprints/blemishes a problem on white guitars. It's not like I would play it after changing the oil in my car. Any advice?

Thanks in advance.

[dragsternj]

i am no expert but i think it depends on the paint. I think the paint used for the jem wvh says as white as it was when you bought it while my white fenders get a little yellow, which looks just sweet.

[Rip]

Guitars painted with nitro paint will yellow slightly over time..

If you like the guitar now, personally I wouldnt wonder "what if" 5-10 years from now.

[Eddie_UV777]

the JEM7VWH stays white, cause of the susbstance TiO2 (titanium dioxide) which prevent's it from the yellow age you see on common fenders


Titanium dioxide is the most widely used white pigment because of its brightness and very high refractive index (n=2.4), in which it is surpassed only by a few other materials. When deposited as a thin film, its refractive index and color make it an excellent reflective optical coating for dielectric mirrors. TiO2 is also an effective opacifier in powder form, where it is employed as a pigment to provide whiteness and opacity to products such as paints, coatings, plastics, papers, inks, foods, and most toothpastes. Used as a white food dye, it has E number E171. In cosmetic and skin care products, titanium dioxide is used both as a pigment and a thickener. It is also used as a tattoo pigment.

This pigment is used extensively in plastics and other applications for its UV resistant properties where it acts as a UV reflector.

In ceramic glazes titanium dioxide acts as an opacifier and seeds crystal formation. In almost every sunblock with a physical blocker, titanium dioxide is found both because of its refractive index and its resistance to discoloration under ultraviolet light. This advantage enhances its stability and ability to protect the skin from ultraviolet light.

[David McCarroll]

Originally Posted by Rip

Guitars painted with nitro paint will yellow slightly over time..

If you like the guitar now, personally I wouldnt wonder "what if" 5-10 years from now.

+1!

Some of the coolest guitars ever are the old Olympic White Fender Strats which fade, yellow, get blotchy and wear their love and use on their skin - such a cool look!

Modern Polyurethane finishes are slightly less reactive to UV light and contamination than Nitrocellulose finishes, however very very few guitars seem to retain their almost pure white finish in the manner of a 7VWH.

[Big Red]

Great feedback folks. I should be more specific and say that the guitar is a Dean Z (explorer shaped) 79' reissue. I already have one in a Trans Braziliaburst (stock pups - which are great), and would like the white one so that I can put in different pups. Has anyone on this board had experience with the white paint on this series on Dean guitars (eg. Z, V, Caddy)?

Thanks

[fettouhi]

Originally Posted by Rip

If you like the guitar now, personally I wouldnt wonder "what if" 5-10 years from now.

+1

Regards

André