Binding separation on an Artist Custom. Can this be fixed?

[BadgerDave]

I recently purchased an Artist Custom that is in nearly mint condition with the exception of some binding separation at the waist.  

The photos below show the issue. It is a slight separation and isn't very noticeable unless you look closely (reference the last photo for perspective). I can push the binding back into place, but it pops back out when I relaease the pressure. There's another similar separation on the inside of the lower horn.

What's the best case solution for making this stable and as impercepable as possible? Drop fill with superglue and sand/buff/polish?

[crunchee]

Seems like somebody here on the HFC asked that same question several years ago, but I couldn't find the topic.  IIRC I think (and I could be wrong) it involved heating the area with a heat gun to make the binding a little more malleable and close the gap, then regluing the area.  But don't quote me on that.  As small as these separations are, you might not even need the heat gun.  Maybe Murkat can help?

Edited September 8, 2025 by crunchee

[Dave Scepter]

4 minutes ago, crunchee said:

Seems like somebody here on the HFC asked that same question several years ago, but I couldn't find the topic.  IIRC I think (and I could be wrong) it involved heating the area with a heat gun to make the binding a little more malleable and close the gap, then regluing the area.  But don't quote me on that.  Maybe Murkat can help?

I remember I think it was Jeff talking about placing a lit "candle in a glass" next to and warming/ softening the binding... but if you can actually push it in by hand, I would just glue it clamp it... check-in the morning.

[crunchee]

34 minutes ago, Dave Scepter said:

I remember I think it was Jeff talking about placing a lit "candle in a glass" next to and warming/ softening the binding... but if you can actually push it in by hand, I would just glue it clamp it... check-in the morning.

Yep, I think that was the topic I was thinking of, no heat gun involved so please disregard that bit.  I believe it was about having the side of the candle glass next to the guitar binding at the affected area to warm it (candle being lit, of course), then gluing.

[BoogieMKIIA]

Same discussion about a year ago regarding my Martin’s binding. @Jeff R laid out his steps and experience if you decide to do it yourself. I don’t have the skills for a nice instrument so I took it to a pro.

 

 

[Jeff R]

Look on Facebook for this post ... 

 

[BadgerDave]

Thanks Jeff.  That's exactly what I needed.  If it's not a trade secret,  how long do you leave the candle in place?

[Jeff R]

Monitor the binding itself, not with a clock but with your thumb testing its "give" ... you want the binding warm enough to stretch into the arc, but not so hot that it distorts. If you aren't getting the results you seek as quickly as you'd like, I usually use a hairdryer nowadays. It's quicker.

[murkat]

Cheap heat gun at harbor freight.

but, beware, depending on the (plasticized) finish… the bindind will stretch and thin out… but the finish will not and retard.

Edited September 9, 2025 by murkat