ZiKi Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 We all know how to crack a nitro finish, but how do you crack a poly finish? Has anyone had success doing it? I've never tried using the compressed air upside down because I figured it would be different for poly LMK, kthx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southpa Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 What do you mean "crack" a finish? Are you relicing something or ...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
westhemann Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 yes he is relicing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mledbetter Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 To get natural finish checking, you might have to do it by hand and using a good photo or example of a real finish with checking, take an xacto and actually draw your checks into the finish. Then you can do the dirt & grime method of bringing the scratches out. I've seen poly crack only once and that's when my buddy dropped his brand new strat on my concrete floor. Poly doesn't wnat to check. It'll hold fast till it shatters. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Southpa Posted August 11, 2005 Report Share Posted August 11, 2005 (edited) I have an old Hagstrom that has finish cracks running from almost every mounting screw. It certainly shows that the guitar is 38 yrs old and is part of the natural aging process in many other guitars. The wood moves around under the solid finish coat and applies pressure on the screws making these cracks, but the guitar is still solid. If you want to literally crack the finish in some of those areas (pickguard, coverplate mounting etc.), you could try using larger diameter screws. But if you feel it might compromise the structural integrity of the guitar...never mind. Edited August 11, 2005 by Southpa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
javacody Posted August 12, 2005 Report Share Posted August 12, 2005 I've heard of people using heat and cold to crack poly finishes. I.E. Leave the body in the freezer overnight and then set it in the hot afternoon sun. Unfortunately, it cracked, but looked nothing like the checking of nitro. Also, once the guitar reached room temperature, the cracks were almost invisible. An exacto is probably your best bet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiKi Posted August 12, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 12, 2005 Yes, I've heard that the poly will melt back together or something if it cracks. But I also heard someone found a way to crack it. I'll just wait for them to come out and tell us *HINT HINT* Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted August 13, 2005 Report Share Posted August 13, 2005 You can do it....but it is PAINSTAKING detail. It involves scoring horizontally with an exacto knife. It can be done, but Nitro cracking looks more authentic (and it is WAY easier). The only way you can crack Poly by freezing is to use liquid nitrogen...which is a BLAST to do, but expensive and hard to get Yes, I've heard that the poly will melt back together or something if it cracks. But I also heard someone found a way to crack it. I'll just wait for them to come out and tell us *HINT HINT* ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ZiKi Posted August 15, 2005 Author Report Share Posted August 15, 2005 Can you provide me an example (picture) of scoring a poly finish? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frank falbo Posted August 15, 2005 Report Share Posted August 15, 2005 Am I missing something, or might it be easier to get a similar look by shooting a lacquer clear over the guitar and then getting THAT to check? In other words, use that poly as your basecoat/sealer. I don't know all the details of your project so forgive me if I'm way off. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted August 15, 2005 Report Share Posted August 15, 2005 Get about 6 cans of compressed Air (Computer Dusters) Leave Body in sun to warm for 1/2 hour. Shake can 1 Vigirously, turn upsidedown, Aim straw at guitar, spray, watch finish crack. repeat while using a different can each time until desired effect is achieved Side note, don't stick tongue to can when the can gets cold Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted August 16, 2005 Report Share Posted August 16, 2005 Scott: You got this method to work on a poly finish???? I know you and I were talking a long time ago about trying some relicing on your poly body. Any pics? Get about 6 cans of compressed Air (Computer Dusters) Leave Body in sun to warm for 1/2 hour. Shake can 1 Vigirously, turn upsidedown, Aim straw at guitar, spray, watch finish crack. repeat while using a different can each time until desired effect is achieved Side note, don't stick tongue to can when the can gets cold ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scott Rosenberger Posted August 18, 2005 Report Share Posted August 18, 2005 I dont have any photos handy, but you can also "Control the cracking to some degree by scoring this poly with a razor knife and when you freeze it it will tend to follow the score lines Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveK Posted August 19, 2005 Report Share Posted August 19, 2005 Also...a quick way to tell "authenic" relics The cracks in the finish typically go horizontally on a real vintage guitar Relics are most often vertical cracks in the finish I know it sounds silly, but do the research....you will see! I dont have any photos handy, but you can also "Control the cracking to some degree by scoring this poly with a razor knife and when you freeze it it will tend to follow the score lines ← Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.