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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.

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

cheers.

DO AN VIDEO.

also, lighter fluid + precautions.

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

Roast Like Marshmellow over a fire.

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.

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.

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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