To the relic lovers, opinions on second attempt at defacing a guitar

Skodadad

My first attempt didn't go so well, I went to far with no real direction or planning. Thought I'd ask for some opinions at an earlier stage this time

simonk

Is it poly or nitro finish?

Skodadad

It's paint over sanding sealer

ICBM

It looks better than most commercial relics .

Skodadad

@icbm should I lacquer it then redo the relic areas?

Nomad

Skodadad said:

@icbm should I lacquer it then redo the relic areas?

Depends on what you want, I suppose. Nobody plays a guitar for 20 years to add wear, and then lacquers it - real wear starts with the finished item. On the other hand, if you want a reliced look that will be preserved (and not absorb sweat), then relic before lacquer (after which, the lacquer will wear and sweat will be absorbed anyway).

Skodadad

Well I've done lighter paint coats around the relic'd areas so hopefully that area will wear naturally. The paint is thick enough to get a shine and I can then add paint swirls with a micromesh pad to dull it down a little.

axisus

Works for me. I like it.

Skodadad

Cheers @axisus are there any more points you think I should take back a little?

Deadman

I've done a couple now, less is definitely more and you need to take your time. In my humble opinion yours needs a few strategically placed chips and scratches. Maybe a white base coat as opposed to a black one next time too, if you're going for one of the old Fender-esque colours. Enjoyable isn't it?

Skodadad

It's nice not to have to be so careful handling it that's for sure. It's different to trying to get a pristine finish. I may give it to my boy to play with in the garden when the paint dries properly he will likely do a very convincing relic job.

Deadman

My Tele was mint in every way until I beat it up. I love the feel of it now. On the plus side, I whacked the headstock a few weeks ago by accident and put a 1" gouge in it and rather than cry I felt a sense of pride

Skodadad

There is a certain appeal to them, my problem is as soon as I play it any illusion of a well loved faithfully old friend disappears. I'd have to pretend my playing was a 'style' rather than useless.