Omar Khalid
If you want to give your guitar a vintage look, you can try to age its white plastic parts yourself. The plastic parts of vintage guitars, such as the pickguard, tend to turn yellow or even green over time due to a flame retardant called bromine in the old ABS plastics. While you can try to replicate this chemical process by exposing the plastic to UV light, it rarely works on modern plastic. Instead, you can try to stain the plastic parts. Some methods include using tea, coffee, or turmeric, though these methods may not always work on new, shiny plastic parts. To increase your chances of success, you can try sanding the parts first to remove the shine and add texture.
How to Age White Plastic Guitar Parts
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Yellow, sometimes with a green tint |
| Techniques | Exposing to UV light, staining with tea, coffee or turmeric, adding dirt |
| Notes | The yellowing is caused by a chemical process involving the destabilisation of bromine molecules in old ABS plastics |
| New, white plastic can be unpredictable to work with |
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What You'll Learn
Soaking parts in tea or coffee
Soaking white plastic guitar parts in tea or coffee is a method that has been used by some to age their guitars. However, it is worth noting that this method does not work on all types of plastic. In some cases, the tea or coffee stain can be easily rinsed or wiped off, especially if the plastic is too smooth and shiny. It is also worth noting that this method may not give the plastic an authentic "aged" look, as it may just turn the plastic yellow or add a yellow tint.
To increase the chances of success with the tea or coffee soaking method, some people suggest first removing the shiny top layer from the plastic parts by adding wear and using fine grit sandpaper to make the surface a bit flaky. This can help the tea or coffee stain adhere to the plastic better. It is also recommended to use strong tea or coffee, and some suggest that heating the tea or coffee to a high temperature can improve the staining process by softening the structure of the plastic.
When soaking the guitar parts in tea or coffee, it is important to monitor the progress to achieve the desired tint. This may take a couple of days or more, and it is important to reheat and resoak the liquid if it starts to cool down, as some sources indicate that the staining process only works with hot tea or coffee. It is also worth noting that even if a yellow tint is successfully added, it may not be permanent and could be cleaned off.
While the tea or coffee soaking method can be used to age white plastic guitar parts, it may not always be effective or produce the desired results. Some people have reported that the tea or coffee stain did not adhere to the plastic, or that the results were too light in color. In these cases, other methods or products, such as Shellac, wood stain, or shoe polish, may be more effective in achieving the desired aged appearance. Additionally, exposing the plastic parts to UV light or sunlight can also help achieve an aged look.
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Using UV light
One approach is to utilise a UV light box, which provides a controlled environment for the ageing process. By placing the guitar parts inside the box, they are shielded from external factors that could influence the outcome. The duration of exposure can vary, with some sources suggesting a few days up to a few weeks, while others recommend a longer period of 4-6 weeks for more pronounced results. It is important to monitor the progress regularly to achieve the desired shade.
To enhance the effectiveness of the UV light box, some individuals line the box with aluminium foil. This serves a dual purpose: protecting the plastic from direct UV exposure and reflecting the UV light to achieve more uniform coverage. This technique has been successfully employed by guitarists, resulting in noticeable darkening of the guitar parts.
When working with UV light, it is essential to prioritise safety. UV light, especially UVC light, can be harmful to the skin and eyes. Therefore, it is recommended to take precautionary measures such as wearing protective goggles and gloves to minimise potential harm during the ageing process.
The type of UV light used can also impact the final colour. UVA light penetrates deep into the material, resulting in slower ageing, while UVB light causes faster ageing and darker shades. UVC light, on the other hand, doesn't penetrate as much but can still contribute to darker colours. Experimenting with different types of UV light will help determine which one aligns best with your desired outcome.
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Sanding to remove shine
Sanding is an effective way to remove the shine from plastic guitar parts and give them a worn-out, aged look. When attempting to age white plastic guitar parts, it is important to remember that the process can be unpredictable. However, with the right techniques, you can achieve the desired worn-out look.
Before starting the sanding process, it is crucial to determine the type of finish on your guitar. If you have a nitro finish, allow the paint to dry for about 5 weeks, while a poly finish guitar should be left to dry for about 2 weeks. This step is crucial as it ensures the paint is ready for sanding and buffing.
The sanding process itself can be done in a few different ways. One method is to use wet sanding, which involves using fine-grit sandpaper or synthetic steel wool pads on a detail sander. Start with a lower grit, such as 1000 or 1200, and gradually increase to 2000, 3000, and then 5000. This helps create micro-scratches on the surface, diffusing light and reducing the shiny appearance. Remember to disassemble the guitar to ensure uninterrupted strokes and avoid shine around the edges.
Another approach is to use a scratch pad, commonly found in kitchens, with one coarse side and a lubricating agent like liquid soap or water. This method requires more time and effort but can effectively remove the glossy finish. Additionally, consider using a Scotch-Brite pad, which can help reduce the shine and create a hand-finished look.
It is important to note that sanding should be done carefully and in controlled strokes to avoid damaging the guitar. After sanding, you can further age the plastic parts by adding stains or exposing them to sunlight to achieve a yellow tint.
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Adding turmeric
While there are several methods to age white plastic guitar parts, using turmeric is one of the most effective ways to do so. Turmeric is a spice that has been used for centuries to add colour and flavour to food. It has also been used as a natural dye for fabrics and, more recently, as a way to age plastic guitar parts.
When using turmeric to age white plastic guitar parts, it is important to exercise caution as turmeric can stain surfaces other than the intended plastic. Begin by preparing a work area that can accommodate spills and discolouration. Cover your workbench with newspaper or a drop cloth, and wear gloves to avoid staining your skin.
To start the ageing process, create a concentrated turmeric solution by mixing turmeric powder with a small amount of water to form a thick paste. Ensure that the paste is smooth and free of lumps. Using a paintbrush or sponge, apply the paste generously to the plastic guitar parts you wish to age. You may need to apply multiple coats to achieve the desired colour and uniformity. Allow the paste to dry completely between coats.
After applying the paste, allow the guitar parts to air-dry for several hours or until completely dry. Once dry, you may notice a slight yellow or orange tint to the plastic, similar to the natural ageing process of vintage guitar parts. If a darker tint is desired, repeat the process, layering additional coats until the desired shade is achieved.
Finally, seal the colour by applying a clear coat or lacquer specifically designed for plastic surfaces. This will protect the finish, prevent staining, and ensure that the colour does not transfer to other parts of the guitar or your clothing.
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Using gravel and water
To achieve an aged look on white plastic guitar parts, one method is to use gravel and water. This process can add a yellow tint to the plastic, giving it a vintage appearance. Firstly, it is important to note that this method works best if the plastic is slightly roughened up first. This can be done by placing the plastic parts in a container with gravel, ensuring there is enough gravel for the parts to move freely. After a few minutes, remove the parts from the gravel and either wash them with water or wipe them down with paper towels.
The next step is to add the yellow tint. There are various ways to do this, including tea or coffee soaks, tobacco smoke exposure, or using a yellow-tinted clear nitro lacquer. Once the tinting method is complete, return the parts to the gravel, adding some water to create a dirty and rough appearance. This step will add an authentic layer of controlled" dirt to the parts. Finally, wipe down the parts with paper towels, rather than washing them, to preserve the tint and the desired level of dirt.
This method is largely reversible, so if you are unhappy with the initial result, you can wash the parts with water to reduce the pigment. However, the longer the tint is left on, the harder it will be to wash off. It is worth noting that this process may not work as effectively on modern plastics, as they do not contain the same chemicals as older plastics that cause them to turn yellow over time.
Overall, using gravel and water, along with other tinting methods, can be a successful way to age white plastic guitar parts and create an authentic, vintage look.
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Frequently asked questions
The best way to age white plastic guitar parts is to stain them with tea, coffee, or turmeric. Soaking the parts in tea or coffee can add a yellow tint, and the same can be achieved with turmeric, though it may stain other surfaces.
Exposing the parts to UV light by leaving them in sunlight can also add a tint. Sanding the parts before exposing them to UV light or tea can give a texture for the colour to fill in.
After adding a yellow tint, you can put the parts in a bucket of gravel and water to make them look dirty and worn. You can then wipe them with paper towels instead of washing them, as this will make them look more authentic.
