Alexei Volkov
Relicing a guitar involves distressing the instrument to give it a vintage look. This can be done to both the body and hardware of the guitar. While some people dislike the idea of relicing, others appreciate the vintage aesthetic it provides. The process of relicing can vary depending on the desired level of ageing, from a light relic that appears gently used to a heavy relic that looks abused. Guitarists may also prefer the feel of a relic guitar, as a played-in neck tends to be smoother and more comfortable. This guide will explore the various techniques for relicing plastic guitar hardware, from using natural elements to create rust to staining with dyes and household items.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Colour | Yellow, green tint |
| Cause | Flame retardant called bromine in old ABS plastics |
| Stain | Tea, turmeric, coffee, curry powder, food colouring, dye |
| Scratches | Light and deep scratches, chips |
| Rust | Exposure to elements |
| Dullness | Solvent, steel wool, file |
| Polish | Toothpaste |
| Corrosion | Hydrochloric acid |
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What You'll Learn
Use turmeric, tea, coffee, or curry powder
To achieve a relic look on your plastic guitar hardware, you can use several household items, including turmeric, tea, coffee, or curry powder. These methods are often used to add a yellow or darker tint to the plastic, making it look older and more worn.
One popular method is to use tea, either by itself or in combination with other ingredients. Strong tea can be applied directly to the plastic, either by wiping it on or soaking the parts in the tea. Some people have reported success by soaking the parts in tea overnight or for up to 24 hours. Others have suggested boiling water with tea bags and letting the parts sit in the solution. Tea can also be combined with coffee for a stronger dye, or with turmeric for a unique tint.
Coffee is another common choice for relicing plastic guitar hardware. Some people have had success soaking parts in strong coffee, although it may take a few days or even weeks to see results. Others have warned that coffee may not work on all types of plastic, and it is important to let the coffee cool down before soaking to avoid deforming the plastic.
Turmeric is a spice that can be used to add a quick, noticeable tint to plastic. However, it should be handled with care as it can stain surfaces. Curry powder, which often contains turmeric, has also been used to tint plastic a darker colour.
When using these methods, it is important to note that results may vary depending on the type of plastic and the specific technique used. Some people have suggested scuffing or scratching the plastic before applying the tea, coffee, or spice mixture to help the tint take effect. Additionally, these methods may not create a permanent tint, so further treatment may be necessary to achieve the desired relic look.
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Apply a mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes
To achieve the desired aged appearance on plastic guitar hardware, a mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes can be applied. This technique can be used on various parts, such as the plastic buttons of the tuners, the jack plate, and the nut.
Firstly, prepare the mixture by combining the contents of a vacuum cleaner bag with ashes from a fireplace. This combination will create an authentic-looking blend that mimics the natural accumulation of dirt and dust on vintage guitar hardware. Ensure that the mixture has a consistency that can be easily applied and adhered to the plastic surface.
When applying the mixture, use your fingers to wipe and gently rub the dirt onto the desired areas. Focus on the white parts of the jack plate and other areas that are typically prone to discolouration and staining over time. You can also use a small amount of the mixture to add light scratches and deeper marks to the hardware, creating a more worn-out and relic appearance.
For the plastic nut of your guitar, which is often pure white plastic, start by sanding it with steel wool to create a textured surface. Then, apply the mixture of dirt, dust, and ashes using your fingers or a Q-tip, ensuring that it adheres well. This step will give the nut an aged appearance, making it look like it has been played and handled over the years.
Additionally, you can enhance the relic effect by adding controlled dirt to the plastic parts. After treating them with the mixture, place the parts in a bucket filled with gravel and add some water to create a dirty and rough environment. This step will make the parts look more authentic, as they would naturally accumulate dirt and wear over time.
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Soak in vinegar or a bleach solution
So, you want to give your guitar a vintage look? There are a few ways to do this, and one of the most popular methods is to use a vinegar or bleach solution to soak the plastic hardware. This process can give your guitar an authentic aged appearance, but it's important to note that it may take some time and experimentation to get the desired results.
Firstly, you can use vinegar to distress your guitar's hardware. This method is often favoured for its accessibility, as regular household vinegar can be used. Start by scuffing the hardware with steel wool, then place the hardware in a small plastic container without a lid. Next, put the small container inside a larger plastic container with a lid and pour vinegar into the larger container. Close the lid and wait—this process can take up to two hours or more, depending on the level of ageing you desire. Be cautious, as some have found that vinegar alone may not be strong enough for certain hardware.
For a more potent solution, you can add salt to your vinegar mixture. This combination creates a weak form of hydrochloric acid, which can be effective for corroding metal. However, be aware that this method may take a few hours to show results and that it should be handled with care, as it can damage other materials.
If you're looking for a natural oxidizer, bleach is a good option. Simply place your hardware in a cup of bleach and let it sit. Check on it periodically until you achieve the finish you want. Bleach is considered safe to use and can give your guitar an authentic look. However, be mindful that overdoing it can make the metal parts appear overly aged.
While vinegar and bleach solutions are popular methods for ageing guitar hardware, they may not always work on certain types of plastic. Additionally, these methods may not produce the same results as chemical processes used in vintage guitars, which caused plastic to turn yellow or green over time due to the presence of bromine.
If you're looking for a more permanent solution, you can try soaking your plastic hardware in a pigment solution. This method can give your guitar an aged appearance, and the longer you leave the hardware soaked, the more permanent the colour will become. However, be cautious, as this method may not be reversible if left for too long.
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Use hydrochloric acid
Hydrochloric acid, also known as muriatic acid, is a popular method for relicing guitar hardware. It is a strong acid that can be used to create an aged or distressed look on metal parts.
To use hydrochloric acid for relicing, you will need the acid itself, as well as safety equipment including acid-resistant gloves, goggles, an apron, and respiratory protection. It is important to work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and to keep the area clear of children and pets.
The acid should be diluted with cold water to the desired concentration. Always pour the acid into the water, not the other way around. A higher concentration will work faster but requires more careful handling. For nickel-plated hardware, a concentration of around 25% is recommended, while for chrome-, gold-, and black-plated hardware, a higher concentration can be used.
Once the acid is prepared, you will need two plastic containers that fit inside each other, with the larger one having a lid. Clear containers are recommended so you can observe the process. Place a small amount of acid, around one to two ounces, in the small container, and put that container and the hardware you wish to age into the larger container. Close the lid and check the progress every 20 minutes. The acid fumes will cause corrosion and discolouration, creating an aged appearance.
When the desired level of ageing is achieved, remove the hardware from the acid and neutralise the acid with a solution of baking soda and water or Windex. Finally, wash the hardware to stop the acid reaction.
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Buy pre-aged hardware
If you are looking to buy pre-aged guitar hardware, there are several options available to you. Realistic Relics offers vintage guitar parts, specialising in the natural ageing of historic instruments. They offer Practical Ageing methods, recreating details as they would have occurred naturally, using real vintage parts, specifications, and materials as references. Their website features customer reviews, with one praising the quality of their products for improving the look of an older instrument.
Crazyparts is another option, offering new and aged guitar parts for over 30 years. They provide "Art of Aging" full assemblies, with different guard options, as well as a premium ageing option for all assemblies. They also offer worldwide shipping through DHL Express, which handles all fees and import taxes.
MJT Aged Guitars is a family-owned company that provides vintage-inspired guitar finishes using 100% Nitrocellulose Lacquer, a finish that can be hard to find nowadays. They offer customisation options, including stripping, refinishing, and restoring services, as well as authentic, one-of-a-kind items in their store.
Additionally, websites like Allparts and Guitar Parts Factory offer a range of aged hardware and guitar parts for sale, although specific details on their ageing processes are not provided. With a variety of options available, you can find the perfect pre-aged hardware to suit your guitar relicing needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Some tutorials suggest setting plastic parts in coffee for three days, but this is a fifty-fifty method. A better method is to use food colouring or any other kind of dye.
Simply buy hardware that is already yellow. It is really cheap.
Use a solvent and rub the knobs carefully with a paper towel. The surface will get slightly dull. Afterwards, use a polish for plastics or toothpaste and polish up the knobs until you like the result.
Using a file or steel wool is a great way to dull the shine on new hardware and add some wear and tear. Alternatively, leaving your hardware exposed to the elements can create realistic rust.
Place your hardware into a container without a lid. Then, put that container into a larger container with a lid and pour some vinegar into the larger box. Let everything sit for a few hours.
