Omar Khalid
There are many ways to make new plastic guitar hardware look old. Some people have tried soaking the plastic in coffee or tea, but results vary. Others have tried scuffing up the plastic with gravel or sandpaper before soaking in coffee, tea, or a mixture of instant coffee, water, and acetone. Some people have also tried using turmeric or exposing the plastic to UV light.
Techniques to age plastic pickup covers
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soaking in coffee | Soaking plastic pickup covers in coffee for 12 hours or more can make them look aged. However, this method does not always work, and sometimes the covers need to be sanded or scuffed first. |
| Soaking in tea | Soaking in tea for 20 minutes or longer can also be effective. |
| Using gravel | Putting the covers in a container with gravel and shaking it for around 5 minutes can add wear and make them look used. |
| UV light | Exposing the covers to UV light for a few hours can make them look aged. |
| Turmeric | Using turmeric can help age plastic, but it may stain surfaces. |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking in coffee
The effectiveness of this method depends on the type of plastic used. While some people have reported success in achieving an aged look, others have found that coffee had no effect on their plastic covers. It is worth noting that the coffee method is more successful on wooden parts, such as the headstock and neck of a guitar.
To enhance the ageing process, one can use sandpaper to create wear and tear on the surface of the plastic covers before soaking them in coffee. This initial step can improve the absorption of the coffee tannins, potentially resulting in a more authentic aged appearance. Additionally, exposing the coffee-soaked covers to sunlight or UV light may further accelerate the ageing process.
Some people also recommend adding coffee grounds and pipe tobacco to the soaking coffee for a more pronounced effect. However, it is important to be cautious when attempting these methods, as they may not always yield the desired results.
While coffee can be an effective ageing agent, it may require multiple attempts to achieve the desired level of discolouration. It is always recommended to test the process on a small, inconspicuous area first to ensure that the results align with your expectations.
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Using gravel
If you want to age plastic pickup covers using gravel, there are a few methods you can try. One popular method is to start by scuffing up the plastic with fine steel wool, sandpaper, or a Scotchbrite pad to remove the shine and create a worn look. Then, fill a plastic bag or container with gravel and put the pickup covers inside. Shake the container until you achieve the desired level of wear and tear. You can also add some water to the gravel to create a dirty and rough appearance. After removing the covers from the gravel, you can choose to wash them with water or wipe them down with paper towels, depending on the desired level of dirt and authenticity.
Another approach is to combine the gravel technique with a yellow tinting method. After scuffing the plastic and shaking it with gravel, you can soak the covers in a mixture of strong coffee, tea, or pigment to achieve an aged yellow tint. Experiment with different concentrations and soaking times to achieve the desired colour. You can also try adding acetone to the mixture to help break the gloss. Once you're happy with the colour, return the covers to the gravel, adding some water to create a dirty and authentic finish.
It's worth noting that not all plastics react the same way to staining methods. You may need to experiment with different techniques and materials to find what works best for your specific pickup covers. Additionally, always be cautious when using potentially harmful substances like acetone, and always work in a well-ventilated area.
Overall, using gravel is an effective way to add wear and tear to plastic pickup covers, and when combined with tinting methods, it can create an authentic aged appearance.
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UV light
Using UV light to age plastic pickup covers is a popular method, but it should be approached with caution. The process involves exposing the plastic to UV light, either through direct sunlight or artificial sources such as UV-B lights or UV sterilization lamps. While this can be effective, it is important to note that not all plastics will react the same way to UV light. The discolouration caused by UV light occurs due to specific chemicals in the plastic that are reactive to UV rays.
To achieve the desired aged effect, it is recommended to start slowly, exposing the plastic to UV light for short periods at first. This gradual approach helps prevent any potential damage, such as paint bubbling, and allows for better control over the ageing process. Additionally, it is crucial to prioritize safety when working with UV light. UVC light, in particular, can be dangerous to living things, so it is essential to avoid direct exposure and ensure proper ventilation during the process.
One method for ageing plastic pickup covers with UV light involves using a UV sterilization lamp. A 38W UV lamp can be purchased online for a relatively low cost. The lamp is placed inside an aluminium foil-wrapped cardboard box, with the foil inside to reflect the UV light. The plastic covers are then placed inside the box for several hours, depending on the desired level of ageing. It is important to monitor the process closely to avoid over-exposure.
Another approach is to utilize natural sunlight to age the plastic. This method requires placing the plastic covers near a window with direct sunlight exposure for an extended period, typically a couple of months. The intensity of UV rays increases with higher altitudes, so the duration of exposure may vary depending on location. It is worth noting that even indirect sunlight can cause discolouration over time.
When using UV light to age plastic pickup covers, it is important to consider the potential risks and take the necessary precautions. While it can be an effective method, it should be complemented with other techniques, such as staining or surface treatments, to achieve the desired aged appearance.
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Turmeric
While tea, coffee, and leaving the plastic in the sun are popular methods for ageing plastic pickup covers, turmeric can also be used. However, one source warns against using turmeric, as it may turn the plastic neon yellow. Another source recommends using a light boil of tea and turmeric, followed by baking the plastic in the oven to set the colour. A user on Ground Guitar also notes that turmeric works quickly but can be messy, as it stains surfaces other than the intended plastic.
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Tea
To age plastic pickup covers with tea, start by preparing a strong cup of hot tea. One source recommends using ten tea bags for each cup of water used. You can also add some coffee to the mixture to create a brown/tan tint. After letting the tea cool, place the plastic pickup covers into the tea and leave them to soak. The length of time you leave them will depend on how dark you want the plastic to become. One source recommends checking the colour of the plastic every day. Another source suggests leaving the plastic to soak for 24 hours.
After removing the plastic from the tea, place it on a napkin to dry. Do not wipe off any excess tea.
If you are unhappy with the colour of the plastic after it has dried, you can try the process again.
It is important to note that tea will not work on all types of plastic.
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Frequently asked questions
Some ways to age plastic pickup covers include using gravel, coffee, tea, UV light, and turmeric.
Fill a plastic bag or container with gravel, and add your plastic covers and knobs. Shake the container for around 5 minutes, then take out the hardware and clean it.
Soak the covers in a bowl of coffee or tea overnight or for around 24 hours. You can also add instant coffee to a small plate with water to make a thick slurry, add acetone, and leave the covers in the mixture for two days.
Purchase a UV sterilization lamp and place it inside an aluminium foil-wrapped cardboard box with the pickup covers for a few hours.
