So I’m working on a paint over paisley relic project at the moment. I think I want the top color to be either silver or black. This is my first attempt at a relic. I want it to look as not fake as possible. The yellow tape is the idea I have so far. Does this look right or fake?
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Paint over paisley relic question
- Thread starter Tj smith
- Start date
Here’s a place to start. Look at a few of these finishes to get an idea of where wear happens. Are you taping off the solid color to achieve the relic or is the tape just a guide for where to sand back later?
Yes the tape is for relicingHere’s a place to start. Look at a few of these finishes to get an idea of where wear happens. Are you taping off the solid color to achieve the relic or is the tape just a guide for where to sand back later?
I’ve been there already. I’ve been using Sandberg masterpiece hardcore basses as my reference.Here’s a place to start. Look at a few of these finishes to get an idea of where wear happens. Are you taping off the solid color to achieve the relic or is the tape just a guide for where to sand back later?
Love these projects - so cool. Do you ever refin more expensive instruments in this way or do you stick with lower budget stuff for the most part?
All of the basses are Ebmm and the guitar is a prs ce-24. This is actually the first budget friendly piece that I’ve done. I like making awesome stuff better. I have a price point hat I stick to. If I can get a music man for $1k or less then I’ll refinish it. But I guess I depends on what u consider higher end.
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I'm first not a relic fan, but that said, I have a few suggestions.
Take a look at bunch of naturally worn instruments, think of the areas that would wear would be places you touch while playing.
Forearm area, around where your plucking hands are. Lower edge and bottom bridge end edge. Of course a couple headstock dings
make things look real too.
The thing that makes me dislike relics is they generally are doing it in areas that won't naturally get any wear.
So many I've looked at just plain don't look right and are instantly obvious.
Good luck.
Take a look at bunch of naturally worn instruments, think of the areas that would wear would be places you touch while playing.
Forearm area, around where your plucking hands are. Lower edge and bottom bridge end edge. Of course a couple headstock dings
make things look real too.
The thing that makes me dislike relics is they generally are doing it in areas that won't naturally get any wear.
So many I've looked at just plain don't look right and are instantly obvious.
Good luck.
That sounds like it's gonna look really good when it's done. I don't think I'd go with silver, but black or vintage white would be nice, like the paisley is breaking through.
I’m not sure on the top coat paint yet. I’ve been using hydrographic paint which is automotive grade. I’m not patient enough to do nitro.
I’m thinking black. I don’t want the white background of the paisley and the white on the body to look to similar. Black would be a nice contrast.
These are all concerns of mine. I want it to look like it’s been played for 40 years and refinished a few times along the way.
I put one of my basses in last night and did as u said. I made note of where it touches my body. I’m also taking into consideration where it would sit on my leg when sitting and playing. I hate obviously fake stuff and want to look right when it’s done.
Looks pretty right. Here's a shot of my bass I bought back when I was in high school '71('72?) for reference. All natural wear. Was my daily driver until about 6-7 years ago. Still gets gigged on occasion.
Something that really works on this one is that the paisley was reliced before the top coat was put on.....
I think it will look fantastic as to where you have taped it.
I hate myself for refinishing my 78 Stingray, because it had worn through the finish ...so, as Bass player magazine showed us back in the day....restoring a vintage instrument to minty new condition....
Relic was not in....Perfect condition was what was wanted......or so I thought.
Hindsight is 20/20
I hate myself for refinishing my 78 Stingray, because it had worn through the finish ...so, as Bass player magazine showed us back in the day....restoring a vintage instrument to minty new condition....
Relic was not in....Perfect condition was what was wanted......or so I thought.
Hindsight is 20/20
