Heat Distressing a Poly finish.

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Fri May 14, 2010 11:19 pm

Hi guys, first time that I've threaded in this section I think!

Right, I have a cheapy tele that I've decided that I'm gonna do up. I have all the bits for it coming and I think that I'm gonna do a Modern "Nocaster" to it. I want it to be all Black i.e Black: Bridge plate, screws, saddles, pickup, nut, tuners and control plate; but with a pearloid scratch plate.

It has a black poly finish on it which has been relic'd already due to years of abuse, but I want it to look like its been set alight to contrast the prestine-ness of the rest of the new shit that I'm dropping into it. I have a blowtorch but not a heat gun. And I don't really want to buy a heat gun if thats at all possible.

So... I need tips on how to "fire relic" a guitar, like, how not to fuck it up and your passed experiences, anything is helpful.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Sat May 15, 2010 1:09 am

that just sounds like it would have dire consequences. let me know how it goes.

cheers.

dub · Post by **dub** » Sat May 15, 2010 1:31 am

DO AN VIDEO.

also, lighter fluid + precautions.

timhulio · Post by **timhulio** » Sat May 15, 2010 9:03 am

Doing this is stupid. You're stupid if you do this.

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Sat May 15, 2010 11:35 am

I still think its a good idea. You guys are just haters. -.-

Dice · Post by **Dice** » Sat May 15, 2010 8:58 pm

Rhysyrhys wrote:I still think its a good idea. You guys are just haters. -.-

Yes, it sounds like a GREAT idea! Everyone else is just jealous.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Sat May 15, 2010 9:10 pm

all i know is that a lighter to a poly finish doesn't do shit. anymore, and you're just asking for a smoking hot mess on your bench.

pics of the guitar before you fucker it all up?

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Sat May 15, 2010 9:11 pm

I'd use fuel. Petrol, maybe. I think lighter fluid would burn too quickly and not hot enough.

Dice · Post by **Dice** » Sat May 15, 2010 9:55 pm

Modern poly finishes - particularly on a cheap-o guitar - are like a plastic coating. It will be an absolute mess.

Leisureclub · Post by **Leisureclub** » Sun May 16, 2010 6:22 am

If you're not too attached to your oven, maybe that'd work. Be careful though, you don't want a fire in there.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Sun May 16, 2010 11:43 am

I think the oven is a bad idea. You want to burn the finish without heating up the wood, I think.

I'd be wary about heating up and cooling down the wood too much.

mellowlogic · Post by **mellowlogic** » Sun May 16, 2010 3:21 pm

dub wrote:DO AN VIDEO.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Sun May 16, 2010 8:34 pm

Use this.

Or something like this.

For the love of god keep it moving, don't stop in one place too long. Start from far away, move closer as necessary.

Do a video.

paul_ · Post by **paul_** » Sun May 16, 2010 10:40 pm

Don't do it anywhere where you'll be touching/rubbing against the guitar is my advice, because it'll create sharp edges where the finish chips. Poly is thick and hard. I wouldn't burn it near the pocket in case it warps or splits in a way that compromises a secure neck fit.

The finish is going to just get blackened at first, then bubble up. Then square-cm bits of it might chip off. You'll be left with a bubbly hazey brownish sludgey area around some chips that will basically look ding-induced.

I'd just take it out in the street and chuck it around like a frisbee for 10 minutes.

Narco Martenot · Post by **Narco Martenot** » Mon May 17, 2010 2:06 am

I didn't see this mentioned anywhere in the thread -- wear safety glasses! When poly heats up, it will sometimes pop like popcorn and go flying.

Asher · Post by **Asher** » Mon May 17, 2010 3:18 am

mellowlogic wrote:
dub wrote:DO AN VIDEO.

tomin8r · Post by **tomin8r** » Mon May 17, 2010 4:45 am

Roast Like Marshmellow over a fire.

Grant · Post by **Grant** » Mon May 17, 2010 5:46 am

BacchusPaul wrote:I think the oven is a bad idea. You want to burn the finish without heating up the wood, I think.

Use the broil setting, if you have one.

Dice · Post by **Dice** » Mon May 17, 2010 8:01 am

scandoslav wrote:
BacchusPaul wrote:I think the oven is a bad idea. You want to burn the finish without heating up the wood, I think.
Use the broil setting, if you have one.

Or a laser gun.

Rhysyrhys · Post by **Rhysyrhys** » Mon May 17, 2010 11:34 am

I've decided that my next project will now be the burning project.

The tele body is just gonna get a touch of paint stripper to smooth out the dings a little more.

HOWEVER:

I have a Hondo II Les Paul stylee copy that has just been sitting around and must die. I'm pretty sure that it's a nitro though. Like this:

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