popped rings?

R

Raecarmia

"Only the finest"
Silver Member
Hello everyone, just a quick queston to get some feedback on finishes popping around ringwork. I recently recieved two cues from two customers wanting refinishes around the ringwork of both cues. I have seen this happen over time with older cues but these are both relatively new cues and from reputable cue makers in the NW. I suggested to return them to the original makers but they insisted I do the work-fine with me and glad to do the work-but I am curious to what others believe causes the finish to bubble and the rings to "pop" thru on what appears to be a relatively thick finish- I do know that one of the cues was sprayed with 2 part auto, and the other was first CA'd then sprayed. I know temp changes and exposure to varying temps can effect rings but these were undercut and everything else on the cues are flawless. Any input would be greatly appriciated as I can pass some knowledge on to the customers as to future care of the cues.

Sincerely submitted,
Raecarmia
 
when ring-work and parts are glued with the right glue that will not happen
so if this cue was not done right and you refinish they will most likely pop again
 
It's mysterious to say the least. The problems I have seen were from the ring material, such as fiber & metal rings that swell & contract, and from finish that contracts & shrinks as it fully cures over weeks or months. Another problem comes from humidity & heat. Fiber rings in humid areas swell excessively, and wood shrinks excessively in arid areas, which either situation causes rings to pop through the finish. It can be a number of things & i'm sure there are more causes than I have experienced. But I can say that I have seen it happen in cheap productions cues all the way to expensive customs.
 
I think it is mostly due to expansion rates most of the time. I have a 3 yr old cue with silver all over it and it feel fine. If the cue is subjected to varying tempratures and humidity they will likely pop over time. I use rings and overall condition of the cue to "ballpark" how a customer treats their cues. I have had several times where local customers come over to order a new custom and they bring along their current player. If the rings are poped I ask if they keep their cues in the trunk of the car. Especially if they are asking for ivory joint, butt ect... I have several people admit they do and decide on a substitute material.
I always try to explain proper cue care when selling a cue no matter the materials. If people treat them properly they likey will never have a problem. Just my 2 cents.
 
This is a two part answer because there are two major reasons for rings, etc. popping.

1.) Different materials in cues expand & contract at different rates and in doing so they shear the finish where the differing mtrls. meet.
Even two different species of wood will expand & contract at different rates. Now add metals and phenolics and you've got a movement machine.

2.) There is a phenomenon known as 'pinch-down' that is common to every clear-coat finish that I'm aware of. Be it acrylic urethane, UV cure, lacquer, whatever, they all have this in common. They all cure to a 'put in service' hardness within one day. However, they will continue to cure (and contract/pinch-down) for a year or more. This condition diminishes with time. If you've ever had paint/finish work done on your car and the painter told you not to wax your car for at least 60 days it's so the finish will go through the major portion of the pinch-down phase freely without being suffocated by the wax. After the 60 days, he may have you come back for a final polish and then waxed. If you're suspicious of this, call any reputable body shop and ask the painter.
 
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