Leo Martínez
The Goldtop finish, which was first introduced in the 1950s, is known to age and turn green over time due to oxidation. While it is unclear if Hamer guitars with gold paint also use the Goldtop finish, the Hamer XT series single-cut Gold Top is a heavy guitar, similar to the Les Paul.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Goldtop finish | Ages/greens over time if the metallic coat becomes oxidized |
| Goldtop finish protection | Must be clear-coated for proper depth and protection |
| Goldtop finish color pairing | Looks amazing with Tobacco Brown to achieve the infamous Goldtop Darkback |
| Goldtop finish application | Should be sprayed on a well-prepped surface that’s been sealed/primed and carefully levelled |
| Goldtop finish oxidation | Due to the oxidation that occurs when Goldtop powder mixes with nitro lacquer in an open environment, 8oz Goldtop cans are supplied in two containers |
| Goldtop finish oxidation window | There is a window of ~3-5 days before the lacquer oxidizes and begins to turn green |
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What You'll Learn
- Goldtop finish ages and turns green due to oxidation
- Goldtop powder and nitro lacquer must be mixed and used within 3-5 days
- Goldtop finish should be clear-coated for depth and protection
- Goldtop Darkback is achieved when Goldtop is paired with Tobacco Brown
- Goldtop finish made its debut in the 50s on the first Les Paul's
Goldtop finish ages and turns green due to oxidation
The Goldtop finish was introduced in the 1950s on the first Les Paul's guitars and has been a favourite ever since. The finish uses a bronze powder alloy that contains actual metal, which can cause oxidation and turn the finish green. This oxidation is known as verdigris. The oxidation occurs when the clear coat on the guitar is worn off from use, exposing the bronze powder underneath to oxygen, air, humidity, sweat, and other environmental factors.
The oxidation process can be expedited by exposing the guitar to sulphuric compounds, such as decomposing sulphuric acids from boiled eggs. Additionally, the oxidation tends to occur at worn areas and in checking, where the clear coat has been breached or damaged, allowing oxygen to reach the bronze powder.
To prevent the Goldtop finish from turning green, it is essential to apply a sufficient amount of clear coat or lacquer to protect the bronze powder from exposure to oxygen and other environmental factors. However, some guitar enthusiasts embrace the green oxidation as a desirable feature that adds character and value to the instrument.
If you wish to prevent the green oxidation, it is recommended to apply a clear coat or lacquer regularly to protect the finish. Additionally, storing the guitar in a humidity-controlled environment can help slow down the oxidation process. However, it is challenging to prevent oxidation entirely unless the guitar is kept in a nitrogen or argon atmosphere.
In conclusion, the Goldtop finish ages and turns green due to the oxidation of the bronze powder in the paint when exposed to oxygen, air, humidity, and other environmental factors. While it is possible to slow down or prevent oxidation through proper finishing and storage, some guitar enthusiasts appreciate the unique appearance and character that the green oxidation adds to their instruments.
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Goldtop powder and nitro lacquer must be mixed and used within 3-5 days
The Goldtop finish, a favourite since its debut in the 1950s on the first Les Paul's, is a metallic gold guitar paint that can be expected to age and turn green over time if the metallic coat becomes oxidised. This occurs due to the oxidation process when Goldtop powder mixes with nitro lacquer in an open environment.
To avoid this, the Goldtop finish is supplied in two separate containers. One container has a lacquer base, while the other contains the metallic powder. Before application, the user must mix the contents of both containers together thoroughly and then strain the mixture prior to spraying it onto the guitar.
It is important to note that this mixture has a limited shelf life of approximately 3-5 days. After this time period, the lacquer will begin to oxidise and turn green. Therefore, it is crucial to use the mixture within the specified time frame to avoid any undesirable colour changes to the guitar finish.
Additionally, clear coating is advised for proper depth and protection of the Goldtop finish. It is recommended to spray the mixture onto a well-prepared surface that has been sealed, primed, and carefully levelled. The relative humidity during application should be lower than 60% to avoid blushing or cloudiness in the finish.
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Goldtop finish should be clear-coated for depth and protection
The Goldtop finish was introduced in the 1950s on the first Les Paul guitars and has since become a popular choice for guitarists. Over time, the metallic coat can become oxidized, causing the finish to age and turn green. To prevent this, it is essential to apply a clear coat on top of the Goldtop finish. This additional layer not only protects the guitar's appearance but also enhances its depth and visual appeal.
The clear coat acts as a protective barrier, shielding the metallic coat from exposure to oxygen, which is the primary cause of oxidation. By minimizing the contact between the metallic surface and the surrounding environment, the clear coat inhibits the chemical reaction that leads to the formation of a green patina. This protective measure ensures that the guitar's aesthetic value is preserved, maintaining the original lustre and shine of the Goldtop finish.
Moreover, the clear coat adds depth to the overall appearance of the guitar. By creating a smooth and glossy surface, the clear coat enhances the reflection of light, resulting in a more vibrant and radiant finish. This visual enhancement elevates the guitar's aesthetic appeal, making it more visually captivating. The clear coat also provides a seamless and uniform finish, ensuring that the guitar's surface is free from imperfections and irregularities.
In addition to its protective and aesthetic benefits, the clear coat also facilitates maintenance and upkeep. It creates a smooth and non-porous surface, making it easier to clean and maintain the guitar's finish. The clear coat acts as a barrier against dirt, dust, and grime, preventing them from adhering to the surface and preserving the guitar's pristine condition. This feature is particularly advantageous for guitarists who frequently perform in diverse environments, as it reduces the effort and time required for maintenance.
Applying a clear coat to a Goldtop finish is a meticulous process that requires careful preparation. The surface must be thoroughly sealed, primed, and levelled to ensure a smooth and uniform base for the clear coat application. This preparatory step is crucial in achieving a flawless finish and maximizing the protective properties of the clear coat. Once applied, the clear coat cures and forms a durable and resilient barrier, safeguarding the guitar's finish for years to come.
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Goldtop Darkback is achieved when Goldtop is paired with Tobacco Brown
The Goldtop finish was first introduced in the 1950s on the inaugural Les Paul guitars and has since become a popular choice. The original Gibson Goldtop paint can be expected to age and turn green over time due to oxidation of the metallic coat. To prevent this, a clear coat must be applied to provide adequate protection and depth.
Goldtop Darkback is a sought-after aesthetic achieved when pairing the Goldtop finish with Tobacco Brown. This combination has been made iconic by guitarists such as Dickey Betts, who played a '57 Gold Top with a dark back.
The "dark backs" of these guitars are identifiable by their serial numbers, which are ink-stamped with yellow ink, as opposed to the black ink used on Goldtops with lighter backs. The dark backs of Les Paul guitars also feature black control cavity plates, as opposed to the brown plates found on other models.
Some owners of Goldtop guitars with dark backs note that the finish can obscure the grain of the wood, which may be undesirable to some. However, others appreciate the unique look, especially when paired with a sparkly gold finish.
The 2013 and later Goldtop finishes are preferred by some, although the pre-2013 natural finish is also sought after. The ideal shade of brown for a Goldtop Darkback, according to some, is a chestnut or walnut brown, as the dark backs on more recent models are considered too dark.
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Goldtop finish made its debut in the 50s on the first Les Paul's
The Goldtop finish was first introduced in the 1950s on the inaugural Les Paul guitars. Since then, it has become a favourite among guitarists and collectors. The Gibson Les Paul is a solid-body electric guitar that was initially sold by the Gibson Guitar Corporation in 1952. The guitar was designed by factory manager John Huis and his team, with input and endorsement from guitarist Les Paul. The original Les Paul model came in only one finish: an old gold solid paint, with two P-90 pickups and nickel-plated hardware.
In 1957, Gibson introduced the Seth Lover-designed humbucking pickup, which was added to the standard goldtop model. However, the goldtop paint job was retired just a year later in 1958 and replaced with a two-tone translucent sunburst paint job. This new model was known as the Les Paul Standard, or "the Burst", and became highly collectible.
The Les Paul saw its first significant design change in 1958 with the introduction of the Standard model, which retained most features of the 1957 Goldtop but added a cherry-red sunburst finish. These guitars were priced higher than the Goldtop models but were considered too heavy and old-fashioned, initially struggling to find favour among guitarists.
The Goldtop finish is known to age and turn green over time due to oxidation of the metallic coat. To prevent this, a clear coat must be applied for proper depth and protection. The finish is often paired with Tobacco Brown to achieve the iconic Goldtop Darkback look.
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Frequently asked questions
The metallic coat becomes oxidized, causing the paint to age and turn green over time.
Yes, the guitar must be clear-coated for proper depth and protection.
The guitar body should be well-prepared, sealed, primed, and carefully levelled before spraying the gold paint.
