Can magic items be upgraded?

[TheInnsmouthLooker]

I've seen mention of it in reference to PFS, but when I've searched the PRD for upgrading magic items, I'm not getting any results. Can anyone point me to the rules on this? I'd be much obliged.

[Jeraa]

Quote:

Adding New Abilities

Sometimes, lack of funds or time make it impossible for a magic item crafter to create the desired item from scratch. Fortunately, it is possible to enhance or build upon an existing magic item. Only time, gold, and the various prerequisites required of the new ability to be added to the magic item restrict the type of additional powers one can place.

The cost to add additional abilities to an item is the same as if the item was not magical, less the value of the original item. Thus, a +1 longsword can be made into a +2 vorpal longsword, with the cost to create it being equal to that of a +2 vorpal sword minus the cost of a +1 longsword.

Page 553 of my copy of the core rulebook.

[TheInnsmouthLooker]

Magic Item Creation

Found it, but I'm still confused. My player wants to upgrade a Bracers of Armor +2 to +4 (among other items). He needs to meet all of the requirements to make a Bracers of Armor + 4 (Craft Wondrous Item feat, Mage Armor spell known and memorized, and caster level 8), correct?

Edited to add: If the character makes a cursed item because of a failed roll, is it assumed that the character doesn't know that they failed and is now subject to the curse?

[Joesi]

-Correct, if he wanted to do it himself (or an ally or any combination of people who can each meet at least 1 requirement). I presume he could also just pay the full price and get the upgrade done by someone else (trusted) instead of "crafting" it too (although I'm not experienced about this, and not sure if it would cost more than full price or not, such as having to specifically hire an NPC's services instead)

-I think if you beat the identify DC by an excess of 20 or more it would be identified as cursed, but yeah otherwise they'd not know.