Chipping & Superglue

[tmac]

A small amount (a few mm) of transparent paint has chipped off near the screws that hold the blade switch on my PRS from 2006. Is it a good idea to apply some transparent superglue to stop any further chipping? I have a tube of "Locktite Super Attack Precision".

Will it work, or will the glue do any damage to the paint job?

 

[Cagey]

I don't think it'll hurt the paint, but it's not going to make it look any better or protect anything, and might make it look worse. Safest bet would probably be to put thin washers under the screws. That'll cover the chip(s) and spread the stress load so more don't occur.

 

[stubhead]

There's a technique called "drop-filling" that's a long-accepted way to fix chips and dings using superglue. There are various thicknesses of glue, and a chemical accelerator. You do have to re-level and polish the surface, though. Dan Erlewine's book "Guitar Player Repair Guide" explains how, but to do it right involves more than just dripping glue on a $5,000 PRS. I hate neck dings and I've fixed several this way, but some PRS's have some pretty amazing finishes - the Hippocratic Oath applies.

 

[-CB-]

if its a poly finish you're "probably" ok, but test in a control cavity or pickup route to make sure it doesn't fubar the finish

you drop one tiny drop of super glue and let it dry till its rock hard, then, using a sanding block, you level the glue and buff it to "sort of" match the surrounding poly.  You can do ok with this.  I redid the edges of my Fender made Jazz Bass where the finish was lifting.  Came out perfect.

 

[tmac]

Thanks guys, you are really helpful!

This was such a small region so I didn't bother with any sanding. It worked great. There remains a tiny spot where the glue didn't manage to fill beneath the poly, but its so small that I don't care at all about that.

I think my fix will prevent any further chipping, and it looks better than it did. I don't think I broke the Hippocratic oath 

Torquil