How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

[Rich_S]

I'm getting ready to try a 59N in my Tele; got the pickguard, got the pickup (Thanks, Lucid!) and got a cover. Problem is, the guitar's pretty well beat (6 or 7 years old, plus battering from kids and airlines). My shiny new chrome Mighty Mite pickup cover is going to stick out.

I'm not really a fan on on-purpose (especially heavy) relicing, but I'd like to tone down the bling a bit. Does anybody have any experience making new chrome covers look a bit used?

 

[DonP]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Chrome doesn't age. That's why they use it on car bumpers.

You should have gotten nickel.

 

[Andrew Lamprecht]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

rub it along some pavement lightly, rub it in some dirt/mud rub it off...

rub the edge of your pick against it, really fast for a couple minutes......... i don't know, just giving some suggestions

 

[Gearjoneser]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

If it's chrome, you're outta luck. If it's nickel, I've heard that you can suspend the cover over a bowl of vinegar with a makeshift tent over it, and it'll oxidize it. But, I've never tried it.

I've also heard of using acidic cream that they use to etch mirrors and glass. Wipe on and off to get the desired 'aged' look.
[edit] I posted at the same time as the last post.

 

[guitarkid]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

2 ways that I know of:

1- Get a pot, put some vinegar in it, and bring it to a boil. Then set a coffee mug upside-down in the boiling vinegar, and set the pickup cover on the coffee mug above the vinegar. Place a lid over the pot and let it continue to boil (I would turn the heat down just a little bit though). The longer you leave it in, the more it will age. Just check it every now and then to see how aged it gets. Be Careful though!!! It will be VERY hot and it will also make your house smell very bad! So crack a window and some doors. Lol

2- Rough up the cover with some steel wool, a scotch bright pad, or light grit sandpaper. Mix up some strong salt water and put it on the roughed up cover. Let it set for a few days and it will be aged.

Thoughs are the only 2 ways I have ever used to aged hardware.

After it has aged the amount you want, wipe the cover off with some WD40 or some gun oil so that it does not continue to keep ageing

 

[Rich_S]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

I am NOT responsible for damages...

Fortunately, humbucker covers at Guitar Center come in 2-packs, so I have spare if I destroy one doing crude science experiments.

Unfortunately, Guitar Center only carries chrome, nickel is too classy/specific for them.

If I trash one, I can use the other until I find a nickel one.

 

[Bludave]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Get a nickle cover & let time do its work.

 

[Chickenwings]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

coca cola overnight. heh....it definitely works on teeth!

 

[Ayrton]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Really there is no way to "age" chrome and have it come out like you want.

You can roll with the chrome or find a nickel cover.

 

[DonP]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

I am NOT responsible for damages to your guitar or personal health

This is why I didn't mention PC board etchant solution.

 

[DonP]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Fortunately, humbucker covers at Guitar Center come in 2-packs, so I have spare if I destroy one doing crude science experiments.

Unfortunately, Guitar Center only carries chrome, nickel is too classy/specific for them.

If I trash one, I can use the other until I find a nickel one.

Sam A$$ usually has more parts. ebay? Classifieds?

 

[DonP]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

I've been applying vinegar to new kluson tuners on an SG Special (1963). This works very slowly (multiple applications).

Maybe a salt and vinegar mix? I think vinegar is diluted to 5%.

Haven't tried the boiling but that might be next, unless I get off my ass and got to a place to get the real acid.

 

[ErikH]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Bury it in the ground for a full change of seasons. Where you live, you get it all. It should age nicely over the course.

 

[brunogio]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

I think scratching it up with steel wool or a wire brush will be an easy first step.

You could also wrap it in a dirty sweat sock or gym shorts and let the body chemistry do its thing. But I think the vinegar suggestions are going to work better.

 

[Rich_S]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Bury it in the ground for a full change of seasons. Where you live, you get it all. It should age nicely over the course.

Can I speed things up by applying road salt, burying it in the snow overnight, and then running it through the snow-blower in the morning?

 

[ErikH]

Re: How to "age" a chrome HB cover?

Can I speed things up by applying road salt, burying it in the snow overnight, and then running it through the snow-blower in the morning?

I don't see why not, though it may harm the snowblower.