3 Ways to Relic a Guitar
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Introduction:
A relic guitar is a guitar that has been intentionally aged or artificially distressed to achieve the look and feel of an older, vintage instrument. Many guitarists find relic guitars appealing due to their unique and characterful appearance, as well as the vintage plays they can inspire. Here are three ways to relic a guitar.
1. Wear and Tear Technique:
One simple way to relic a guitar is to mimic the wear and tear of an extensively played instrument by applying physical distress. This method involves sanding certain areas of the guitar’s body, neck and headstock using various grades of sandpaper or steel wool. The idea is to create smooth divots, scratches, and bare wood in places that would naturally occur from years of play, such as around the frets, along the edges, and near any hardware.
Steps:
– Remove any hardware such as pickups and knobs.
– Start with a coarse grit sandpaper (80-100 grit) and lightly sand back-and-forth motions on desired areas.
– Switch to medium grit (150-180) sandpaper for smoother transitions between paint layers.
– Finally, use fine-grit (220+) sandpaper or steel wool for polishing up the edges.
– Optionally add small dings or chips with screwdrivers, keys, or other sharp objects.
– Reassemble the guitar.
2. Chemical Aging Technique:
Another way to relic a guitar is to utilize chemicals that interact with the finish of your instrument resulting in an aged appearance. This method works best on guitars with nitrocellulose finishes.
Steps:
– Remove all hardware from the guitar.
– In a well-ventilated area, apply a thin layer of paint remover or nail polish remover containing acetone on parts you want aged.
– Use fine steel wool or Scotch-Brite pads in circular motions to remove some of the softened finish without damaging wood underneath.
– Wipe the guitar clean with a dry cloth and let it dry.
– (Optional) Apply shoe polish or wood stain to achieve desired coloration, then wipe away excess.
– Reassemble the guitar.
3. Heat and Cold Technique:
The third method of relicing a guitar involves exposing it to extreme temperature variations to create stress cracks that resemble age wear. This technique works on both nitrocellulose and polyurethane finishes.
Steps:
– Remove hardware from the guitar.
– Heat the specific areas with a hairdryer for a few minutes or use an electric heater (be careful not to scorch the wood).
– Immediately afterward, cool down the heated areas using ice packs or a cold damp cloth.
– Repeat this process multiple times until stress cracks begin to appear.
– (Optional) Sand down areas with fine-grit sandpaper to enhance the look of the cracks.
– Reassemble the guitar.
Conclusion:
Relicing a guitar is an excellent way to add character and visual appeal to your instrument, making it stand out from its factory-fresh counterparts. Remember that any form of distressing carries risks; it’s essential to proceed with caution and work slowly. Whichever method you choose, embracing the unique charm of a relic guitar can inspire you to make more personalized music.