What type of finish does PRS use on CORE guitars?

All Maryland-made PRS electric instruments feature a nitrocellulose finish. This finish is thin, allowing our guitars to have a resonant, organic tone, to last and have the least issues with fading, chipping or other issues. The nitro finish also feels natural under your hand, elevating the playing experience from the moment you pick up the guitar. From 1985 – 2019, PRS used a polyester basecoat and an acrylic topcoat. During 2019, we started to transition to a nitrocellulose over CAB (catalyzed acrylic) finish. This was a flying change that was slowly worked into production. If your guitar was made during 2019, we cannot accurately determine the exact finish used on your instrument, so it is best to treat it as you would any other nitrocellulose finish and avoid long term contact with leather, rubber, and vinyl. Guitars produced in 2020-2023 have the nitro over CAB finish. 2023 and beyond have the nitro over nitro finish.