Ethan Clarke
There are many ways to relic black plastic guitar parts to make them look vintage. Some methods include using a mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes, or soaking the parts in coffee, bleach, food colouring, or wood stain. Others suggest using a ScotchBrite pad or fine sandpaper to take off the sheen, and then using iron (III) oxide (ferric oxide) liquid to create a patina. For a more worn look, some people use a solvent and rub the parts carefully with a paper towel, followed by a polish for plastics.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Techniques | Soaking in coffee, tea, turmeric, and curry powder |
| Soaking in acid | |
| Using steel wool, fine sandpaper, or Scotch-Brite pad | |
| Using iron (III) oxide (ferric oxide) liquid | |
| Using dirt, dust, and ashes | |
| Using a water-soluble pigment | |
| Using a solvent | |
| Using polish or toothpaste | |
| Results | Yellowing |
| Darkening | |
| Lightening | |
| Rusting | |
| Scratches | |
| Chips |
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What You'll Learn
Soak parts in coffee
Soaking guitar parts in coffee is a popular method for achieving a relic look. However, it's important to note that not all types of plastic will absorb the coffee stain. For example, one user reported that the stain did not work on Stew Mac and Allparts plastic parts. In contrast, others have found success with Fender plastic parts.
To achieve the desired tint, it is recommended to soak the parts in strong, hot coffee, but not so hot that it melts the plastic. The length of time required for the staining process varies, with some sources suggesting a couple of days, while others recommend checking the parts daily until the desired tint is achieved. One user reported soaking parts for over a week, but found the results negligible.
It is also possible to mix the coffee with other substances to create a different tint. One user suggested mixing coffee with tea, while another recommended adding turmeric to the coffee to achieve a darker shade. Additionally, one user reported that the staining process only works while the coffee is hot, and suggests reheating and resoaking the parts if the desired shade is not achieved.
It is worth noting that the coffee method may not work on all plastic guitar parts, and the results may vary depending on the type of plastic and the length of time soaked. However, for those who are seeking a more controlled approach to achieving a relic look, the coffee staining method may be worth experimenting with.
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Use a ScotchBrite pad
Using a Scotch-Brite Pad to Relic Black Plastic Guitar Parts
Using a Scotch-Brite pad is a gentle way to remove the sheen from your guitar parts. It's important to be careful and not overdo it, as you don't want to damage the parts or affect the sound of your guitar.
Firstly, it's important to note that using a Scotch-Brite pad will dull the finish of your guitar parts. This can be a desirable effect for those seeking a more relic look. However, if you are looking to maintain a shiny finish, this method may not be for you.
When using a Scotch-Brite pad, it's recommended to use the green pad, which is about 600 grit. Start by gently rubbing the pad on the surface of the guitar part in circular motions. You can also try using steel wool or fine sandpaper for this step if you prefer. Be careful not to press too hard, as you don't want to create heavy scratches.
Once you've removed the sheen to your desired level, you can move on to the next steps of refinishing. It's important to note that black guitar parts will show every imperfection, so it may be difficult to get a finish that looks as good as the factory one.
To restore the finish, you can try wet sanding with a rubbing compound. You can also use a foam buffing pad with an electric drill, which can be very helpful in achieving a smooth finish. After buffing, you can apply a swirl remover compound and then wax the part. The process of refinishing your guitar parts can be time-consuming and may require some trial and error, but it is possible to achieve satisfactory results.
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Mimic stain spots
To mimic stain spots on black plastic guitar parts, you can use a mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes. Firstly, take some of the contents from your vacuum cleaner bag and mix it with some ashes from your fireplace. Using your fingers, wipe this mixture onto the white part of the jack plate. You can also use this method on black plastic parts with excellent results.
Another method to stain plastic guitar parts is to use a water-soluble pigment or toner. Dampen a piece of paper towel with the pigment and smear it all over the plastic. After a few minutes, wipe down the pigment roughly with paper, removing any excess.
If you are aiming for a yellow or light brown tint, you can try soaking the plastic parts in coffee. Leave the parts soaked in coffee for a day or two, and they should turn yellow. Alternatively, you can use tea, turmeric, or curry powder.
For a more textured look, you can use fine sandpaper to remove the shine from the plastic parts before staining. Be careful not to over-sand, as it may not look natural. You can also use a ScotchBrite pad to gently remove the sheen.
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Use water-soluble pigment
To achieve the desired relic look on black plastic guitar parts, you can use a water-soluble pigment, also known as a toner. This method is simple and effective, and you can find these toners on Amazon, such as the Mixol Universal Tints in Black.
The process involves damping a piece of paper towel with the pigment solution and smearing it all over the plastic surface. You can use a yellow or light brown tint, or a mix of both, depending on the desired shade. After applying the pigment, wait a few minutes, and then use a paper towel to roughly wipe down the surface, removing any excess pigment that didn't stick.
This technique provides a level of control over the final look, as you can adjust the intensity by varying the amount of pigment applied and the duration it remains on the surface before wiping it down. Additionally, if you feel you've applied too much pigment, you can wash it off with water, although this is easier to do soon after application before the pigment fully dries and sets.
To further enhance the relic effect, you can combine this method with other techniques, such as using gravel to create a rough, worn texture on the plastic parts. Simply fill a container or plastic bag with gravel, add your plastic parts, and shake vigorously for around 5 minutes. Then, rinse the parts with water or wipe them down with paper towels.
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Use acid fumes
Using acid fumes is a popular method for relicing guitar parts. It is a chemical process that can give your guitar's hardware an old and well-used look. The process involves placing the hardware in a container with acid and allowing the fumes to corrode the surface, creating a worn and aged appearance.
To begin, you will need a large plastic container with a lid and a smaller plastic container that can fit inside it. Ensure that the containers are made of plastic and not metal or aluminium. You will also need acid-resistant gloves, goggles, an apron, and respiratory protection for safety. Always perform this procedure outdoors or in a well-ventilated area, and keep children and pets away.
For the acid, you can use hydrochloric acid (HCL) or muriatic acid, which is available at pool supply stores. These acids are strong and can be diluted with cold water if needed, but always add the acid to the water, not the other way around. Place a few teaspoons or ounces of the acid in the smaller container and then place the guitar parts you want to age into the large container. Seal the large container and let the acid fumes do their work.
Check the progress every 20 minutes or so. The acid fumes will cause the metal parts to start sweating, and the finish will begin to dull. Once the parts look sweaty enough, remove them from the container and let them sit overnight. In the morning, check the results. If you desire a more aged appearance, repeat the process for another 20-30 minutes before removing the parts and letting them sit overnight again.
After achieving the desired level of ageing, neutralise the acid by washing the parts with a solution of baking soda and water or Windex. Dry the parts with an old cotton rag or towel. Remember that this process takes time and patience, and rushing it may lead to undesirable results.
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Frequently asked questions
First, take off the shine with some steel wool or fine sandpaper. Then, use an iron (III) oxide (ferric oxide) liquid to create a patina.
You can use a mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes from your fireplace. Wipe some of this mixture onto the plastic parts of your guitar with your fingers.
You can soak your guitar parts in coffee, tea, or food colouring. You can also use acid, but be sure to follow safety precautions.
You can use yellow and light brown tints to create an aged look.
