How to Relic or age

[Len]

I friend of mine has an old Telecaster Bass he is trying to reassemble. He bought a brand new white pickguard and it is way too bright and sticks out like a sore thumb. Any ideas on how to dull it up and make it look old and relic'd? Thanks

[cmatthes]

Some guys use a black coffee bath to age white plastic parts.

Obviously, you'll have to keep an eye on it...

[Len]

Reg. or decaf? Thanks Chris

[DaveL]

I'd recommend googling relic, and relic-ing pickguards plenty of stuff

should pop up. I seem to recall "relic deluxe" was one of the sites to

get some tips.

I use 800-1000 grit sandpaper and wetsand to remove the gloss. I then

create some random nicks by hitting it with my keys on a chain (I had read

somewhere that Fender uses something like this). Some random hits with

a screwdriver head also works... I'll then hit it again with the sandpaper

to soften the nicks. I also have a little stew mac buff wheel that goes

on a power drill and give it a lite go over with some meguiars polish...

I know some people will cut pick scratches with a razor blade but I think

that's something you really have to work up to skill wise.

I haven't needed to dye any guards but I know there's some good articles

on that.

here's one. I was basically trying to match it to the guitar (a Fender road worn).