Chris Build of TL-1 Kit

[SIMpleONe89]

You can try Bunning's White Knight Touchup paint. I used the classic cream for my project. Warning though, it takes long to cure and can be easily dented.

[57strummers]

Oh I will check that out thanks mate, I did get another can of Alpine white (Holts Dupli-Color DSH53) a few coats on now and it seems to be getting closer to the colour I am after, and noting I am relic'ing this beauty I can add other colours to the body at any time very easily. Will check out that colour when there next.

Tuning pegs are looking good now..... Suttle

[robin]

Looking good Chris.

Sorry if you have already mentioned it, but how are you ageing the metal hardware, I really like the subtle look.

thanks
rob

[57strummers]

Hi Robin, not sure if I have posted before.... I use this process http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AoA0O6kSBqk I use Hydrochloric acid as well, I did notice on the bottle you use this type of acid to equalise pool water so if you have acid you use in a pool I would try that, I have 5 litres up back
Depending on the quality of the bits you are going to age I would start with about 1-1/2 hours in the fume bath... take them out (must wear good rubber gloves) leave for a bout 15 mins and then wash them clean... leave for about an hour and see how they look - the aging process continues for a bit after you wash so bear that in mind. Not huge amount though but something to be aware of. You can help the process along a bit on the harder coated bits like nobs and tuning pegs by rubbing lightly around parts of the surface you want particular attention to which will help the aging process also... for instance on the volume nob (which is probably handled more than the tone one) you might rub the edges with a green kitchen scourer on different parts to age that a little more... Basically there are no hard rules just don't leave the bits in there too long.... and do the aging in small doses.

Please be aware you are using a very toxic product in acid and you do need to take the correct safety precautions... the gas is vicious so wear a mask, heavy rubber gloves and long sleeve shirt so you don't get any on you and make sure you use it outdoors or in a ventilated area. If you do get some on you get it off real quick otherwise you will know about it.

[SIMpleONe89]

I saw another video of a guy using bleach, and leaving it too long in bleach will cause it to be overdone.

[57strummers]

Yes and I think you can score the bits and put into a cold cup of tea as well, the acid seems to be the most commonly used method and the quickest.

[Fretworn]

In Will Kelly (from Hard Knocks Guitars) book he uses PCB etchant which he brushes onto tissues that are placed over the surface to be aged. He does every metal part, except the tuning machines and the bridge saddles and intonation screws. He even does the heads of the pickguard screws that way.

[57strummers]

Yes I seen that also on a YouTube clip from him and did check JayCar to get some unfortunately they didn't have any which surprised me. In any case there are a few ways to get it done and you need to choose which you are comfortable with I have only used the acid so can only put forward my experience with that product.

[robin]

Thanks for that Chris, (and Simple and Geoff).

Knowing my ham fisted approach to most things this sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, but it's good to know how it's done. I really like how yours has turned out. I'm a bit over the "drag it behind a truck" approach to aging guitars.

Cheers mate,
rob

[57strummers]

robin, if you are really interested in the look and want some help I am in Sydney and would be more than happy to assist you to achieve what you are after, if you want help let me know and we can correspond via email or something.... You have a need someone should be able to help you....