What Is Cold Checking?

Cold Checking commonly occurs in guitars.

Cold checking occurs in wood finishes as a result of being subjected to severe cold or heat. A common problem for many woodworkers and instrument makers, cold checking is certainly something to be aware of.

What Cold Checking Looks Like

Cold checking is a spider web or checkered effect on wood finishes. The wood cracks in splintered patterns after being left in extremely hot or extremely cold temperatures, creating the cold checking experience.

How It Happens

Lacquered wood expands in heat and contracts in cold. When this happens to finished furniture or instruments, cracks occur in the surface of the wood, damaging the item permanently. The cracks generally take on the vein like pattern of spider webs.

How to Avoid Cold Checking

When working with wood, try to use a lacquer that finishes the wood with a measure of elasticity in an attempt to avoid cold checking. Also, be sure to care for your furniture or instrument by keeping it out of extreme temperatures if at all possible.

References

• Seagull Guitars: Seagull's FAQ.
• Taylor Guitars: Glossary.