zyonsdream Posted June 4, 2008 Report Share Posted June 4, 2008 I'm working on a relic right now and no one sells etching solution anymore (including the very lack luster Radio Shack) Is there anything that will age my chrome and give a rusted look to my screws and tuners quickly? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WezV Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 etching solution wont touch chrome anyway - best to use nickel if you want to go that route i think you have to suspend chrome over an acid bath or something like that.... not quite as DIY friendly as ageing the nickel stuff. Muriatic Acid (Hydrochloric acid) is said to work well if you are willing to remove the chrome plating it gets easier and costs nothing and you have all you need collecting in your bladder as we speak!!! really a combination of techniques works best - start with artificial wear by scuffing them and attacking them physically - then do the chemical thing Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prostheta Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Exactly the words about to come out of my mouth Wez :-D You'll probably find muriatic/hydrochloric acid at the DIY store as drain unblocker. Follow the instructions TO THE LETTER. Dangerous stuff to mess with. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zyonsdream Posted June 5, 2008 Author Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 (edited) Thanks guys, I would have used Nickel but I'm doing a relic on a Fender telecster which seems to be a mix off Chrome, Nickel and Aluminum. The tuners seem to be Nickel, bridge and pickup covers are chrome and bigsby style tail piece is aluminum and chrome. I'm sure my customer is okay with me putting my blood, sweat and tears into his modification but not my ummmm....yellow stuff LOL. My house is over 100 years old, I'm positive I have some drain cleaner around here. I'll give it a go on a few test pieces. By the way...I can't tell you how gratifying it was to beat the hell out of a brand new, 900.00 Fender! Experience of a life time! Edited June 5, 2008 by zyonsdream Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ToddW Posted June 5, 2008 Report Share Posted June 5, 2008 Isn't drano a base, not an acid ? ? ? Be careful what you use. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Xanthus Posted June 9, 2008 Report Share Posted June 9, 2008 By the way...I can't tell you how gratifying it was to beat the hell out of a brand new, 900.00 Fender! Experience of a life time! :D Priceless! I'm always interested in distressing the metal pieces. If you take some pics, let's see! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
orgmorg Posted June 14, 2008 Report Share Posted June 14, 2008 (edited) I've been using this stuff on nickel hardware: http://www.artchemicals.com/ArtChemicalsco...-P4415C205.aspx I've done some chrome with it as well, but with different results. It normally won't do anything to it, but if you scuff it up with 320 grit paper, and immerse it for a while it really dulls it down quite a bit. And since there is usually a layer of nickel and/or copper under the chrome plating, you can play around with how much and where you sand the hardware to get different effects. Works good on gold too, talk about gratifying! Edited June 14, 2008 by orgmorg Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
toneslinger Posted June 20, 2008 Report Share Posted June 20, 2008 I'm working on a relic right now and no one sells etching solution anymore (including the very lack luster Radio Shack) Is there anything that will age my chrome and give a rusted look to my screws and tuners quickly? you actually can use the etchant solution on chrome. you have to distress and scuff the hardware with steel wool first though. As far as other methods, there are several ways, using muratic acid, vinegar, salt and others. Also, i've had very good luck with a rock tumbler and sand. If you are having trouble finding pcb etchant solution, you can order it from www.circuitspecialists.com They can only be shipped via ground and the best product they have are crystals that dissolve in water. not as messy. Let me know if you need anymore details or if you need help. Be glad to walk you through the steps and process that I use. take care, ToneSlinger Are You A ToneSlinger? www.toneslinger.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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