Black Strat Relic: How to Achieve Authentic Aging
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Introduction
Hi. I have already written enough about my Black Strat Squier. And about how I upgraded it.
Now that’s another story about making the Black Strat Relic.
Please don’t ask me why and what for. Just because.
Because:
- I was inspired by this technic of others;
- after all, it’s the cheapest guitar I own. I bought it pretty much new for just 80 CAD. Not a big risk.
- It will have a unique look.
Step 1. Disassembly the Black Strat
- Remove the strings (and throw them away as they are worn out).
- Detach the neck. I’m going to relic the body mostly.
- Remove the Dragonfire pickgard.
- Finally, remove the bridge.
Step 2 of the Black Strat Relic Process. Scratches.
Now it’s time to apply “dings and scratches”
For the “dings,” you can use any heavy enough tools. In my case, it was a screwdriver. I just dropped it on the lying body. I also used the screwdriver to make some scratches in some places: around the input jack and on the back of the body, where the belt buckle usually touches it.
Next, the scratches on the edges. I moved the guitar body over a concrete floor in my basement.
You may have any other ideas on how to add the wearing scratches in your place.
Step 3. Sanding My Black Strat Relic.
Next, I needed to sand the body for 2 reasons:
– To make some “time marks” or places where the paint goes off with the time. It is usually the place where your hand rests and the edges;
– To get rid of the shining paint quality.
For the “time marks” or bald places I use #80 and then #100 Sand paper. For the removing the shining I use #800 then #1200 ones.
Step 4. Polish Body Back.
After sanding is done, the last thing left is to polish it a little. So the the aging signs will look naturally. I used Rubbing Compound and then Polishing Compound
The body treated with the compounds is looking consequently:
After that you can consider the main job is done. Wipe thebody with clean cloth. Then reassembly the guitar back.
And that’s what you see on the first image above. I have to say it was fun experience. Of course, there might be more you can do. Maybe to age the controls and the bridge and the pickup. I will think about it.
