Had a similar interaction - Regarding Mirco. A friend of mine wanted a PF... I think it was an STNG PF with some kind of defect. I don't remember now but I think it was an adhesion issue with the inserts vs Clear. At the time; I suggested to my friend that he avoid that PF like the plague since it was already showing problems. My advise was based upon Insert problems that plagued Sterns in the year or so previous. Like GB, Batman, GOT.

The dude was proud of his work; and agreed that the insert thing was a defect when asked... but he also said he'd knock something miminal off the PF. Again I told my friend; it wasn't worth the pain because there was no real way to "clean" the PF and re-clear it.

I know others were talking about similar issues with PFs he did prior to TPF2018. Some highly sought after PF. The guys who preordered started complaining about insert adhesion issues that he basically dismissed as "couldn't be helped" or did't comment at all.

Knowing what we know now with this thread; it seems that he hasn't really addressed the problems. He's in money grab mode... knows that enough people don't care until it's too late. He doesn't really seem to be educated on what it takes to make a GOOD PF with clear coat and doesn't actually want to take the time to consult the experts.

Further; he's avoiding talking about this with anyone … again; because he doesn't want to ruin his revenue stream nor does he want to admit he's had this problem for years.

Sadly; if JJP is buying PFs from Mirco - it doesn't sound like anything is going to change until JJP holds his feet to the fire or finds a better vendor.

Did you box it backup and tell the distributor to come pick it up?

I wouldn't that's a problem. Soft clear like this is just asking for a problem … much less at 12.5k - New out of box.
Seriously; I'd box it back up and call the distributor to have them pick it up for a full refund.

This is the only way to really handle this situation; JJP ships this crap because "we" accept it.

I'm out on Wonka for this problem for sure. I'll pick one up in a future special edition if/when it's generally considered "Fixed" or buy a game 2nd hand. Just no way I trust them.

I wouldn't expect JJP to come in here at all. None of the manufacturers - except maybe one.

You might be right.
I know one of the non-Stern vendors did this. Maybe PPS?
Regardless; I edit my comment and removed the statement because I could just be remembering incorrectly.

NM. Op answered. nothing to see here.

Almost sure this is the game number.
Born dates; are usually stamped on the edges of the PF.

No defects in a clear coated piece of wood.
It's hard to f'up a unpopulated PF... but I'm sure they'll try and succeed.

I'd honestly removed the posts all together and let the clear further "cure" for the next month or so. Leave it in a un-temp controlled garage.
I'm not sure "heat" does anything to these clear coats - but then there is some universal confusion about the type/chemical makeup Mirco/JJP is using.

I don't agree at all.
If the "chip" and clear are separating at effectively time zero; you have no way to judge how this PF will look after 4-6 years... or 2 decades... or 4 decades. For all you know this is a symptom of a bigger ice berg.

If Ink isn't bonding to the Wood Surface... there very well could be problems later. in "ball travel" areas of the game... which leads to more clear/paint loss... which leads to eventually an unplayable and undesirable game.

There is always concern. What we don't know if the "soft clear" is a chemical mix problem... or a "not enough cure time" problem.
The former - may mean the clear may never cure. The later means a "mint PF" with no post on it *may* cure with time.

The art coming of with the clear is a clearly a delamination issue. That is a real problem. "the community" doesn't have evidence either way that this will progress beyond "clear" pools and chips near the posts. Anyone spending more than $500 on a machine should be weary and clear... and you shouldn't be dismissing this as a "cosmetic -only" problem.