Dulling Nickel Hardware

treyhaislip

treyhaislip

New member
Working on a Tele project and ordered Nickel Hardware--not Chrome but still pretty shiny for Nickel. The body finish turned out a little different that I was originally hoping for and now I would prefer more of a Raw Nickel look.

Seems like I can't find the finish I'm looking for without seeing a bit of a markup for "relic'd" parts. I don't want to relic the hardware--but am wanting to make it not shiny. Have read up on using various sandpaper, some etching solutions, various chemicals, etc.

Any tips/suggestions for dulling the hardware without getting the relic/rust look? Thanks!
 
Go eat a bunch of fried chicken, don't clean your hands and touch all your parts. Better yet, next family reunion have the whole family do and they will be lathered up and losing their shine in no time.

On a serious note, nickel and raw nickel have a different look. I am not sure you can get nickel to look like raw nickel. As Goober said, I would try Scotchbrite though as it can do wonders in certain situations.
 
I have done that on several builds. The best practice was first dulling with scotchbrite, then cleaning from finger prints. Two plastic boxes, one smaller for the parts and a bigger one with lid. white spirit vinegar with about 20% acetic acid. Pour some vinegar in in the bigger one, then put in the smaller box with the metal parts in, close the bigger box. The fumes act on the nickel for some hours, check it, then maybe again some more. If done rinse the nickel parts.
With the leftover spirit vinegar you can make some nice salads or clean your bathroom.
 
Last edited:
Nostalgic Distortion said:
filedata/fetch?id=6145566&d=1642857259 What level of “aging” for lack of a better term, are you looking for?

Like what’s on my Tele, or is this too much? Cuz I’ve got tons of Tele parts kicking around that I’d happily send you Trey…
Click to expand...

That looks more or less what I am after–you are too kind but I already have the parts here (and they are kinda specific such as a half-bridge, locking tuners, etc.)

hamerfan said:
I have done that on several builds. The best practice was first dulling with scotchbrite, then cleaning from finger prints. Two plastic boxes, one smaller for the parts and a bigger one with lid. white spirit vinegar with about 20% acetic acid. Pour some vinegar in in the bigger one, then put in the smaller box with the metal parts in, close the bigger box. The fumes act on the nickel for some hours, check it, then maybe again some more. If done rinse the nickel parts.
With the leftover spirit vinegar you can make some nice salads or clean your bathroom.
Click to expand...

Thank you all for the suggestions! I will give the ole Scotchbrite and chemical fumes try.
 
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