Nitrocellulose finish + time (or relic techniques to mimic time).

paint a guitar with nitro , the play / relic it

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I believe that it's due to humidity, time and heat....but mostly humidity. Check out lacquer blush. If it is the case then it would be difficult to replicate as it is created during the original application...

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

time, moisture, and oxidation - as far as replicating it, i'm not impressed with the "road-worn" new guitars... if you want a road-worn guitar, then start wearing it out now and one day it'll happen all by itself.
The finish on the wood will begin to break down on the outside when it becomes oxidized. That's the "hazy" thing. If this is the desired look you want, then don't ever store it in a case or polish it. Just leave it alone.
That "woozy" stuff happens because of the way the guitar is finished. The un-sealed edges of the wood, like the holes that are milled out for the pickups and pots, the holes drilled for the strap buttons, etc. allow moisture to get into the wood. Over time, that moisture will start to "push" the paint off the wood from the inside out. Any break in the seal of the finish, a chip or gouge for instance will also allow more moisture into the wood.
After either or both of these natural occurances take place, it won't be long before the guitar starts to look like a relic.

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It not Blush

I'm curious....how do you know?
cheers,
Alex

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

Blush happens as you are applying the clear coat its not something that happens over time. Also its very cloudy. Its alot more than a hazy finish.

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated.... I'd been thinking that just perhaps, on a rare, slightly humid day in California, a Fender employee sprayed the finish onto the guitar and voila! instant relicing...though if I'd thought more (and before hitting the submit button!) I should have realized that the haziness should have been apparent and the guitar shouldn't have made it out of the factory.
cheers,
Alex

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......it's a topsy-turvy world when noses run and feet smell...

When it happens its very white in areas. Its would be hard to miss.

I get "woozy" and "hazy" applying lacquer

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