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Relicking Boxes

Not to be confused with "re-licking" which is something different all together.

Browsing through the pictures section, I notice some of my favorite builds are ones that look like they've been in a boxcar for a few decades. To those that make these diamond-in-the-rough type builds; do you find the boxes like that or do you have a process for making it look that way?

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Permalink Reply by Clock The Wolf on May 14, 2011 at 2:52pm

You mean the ones that look like they've been licked(!!!) by a pack of wild dogs? I suppose that all that saliva would do wonders for artificial aging...

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Permalink Reply by Richard G Caudill on May 14, 2011 at 3:23pm

I try all the antigue places ,, got a 1933 goldens 2 for nickel for 3.50 cents ,, did my happy dance as i went out the door,,, but most of are from cigar shops and they get beat up on there .. Know some do "antique" em some .

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Permalink Reply by Uncle John on May 15, 2011 at 3:35am

Jason, my favorite guitars look like well used relics. But they have got to play and sound good too. I try to use an old box and 'relic' the rest. But you can relic the box too. For the neck, you can run a candle or propane torch to get some 'light scorching.' I prefer to paint with and acryllic craft paint and then sand off the edges and 'wear marks'. My last relic was a mildly beat up box and I sanded some wear into it and tried to make some pic marks. I have photos of, I think, 3-4 relics posted.

Go for it, man

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Permalink Reply by Jason W. on May 15, 2011 at 5:33am

Excellent stuff! I never thought about the scorching idea. I'll give it a try. Thanks!

Uncle John said:

Jason, my favorite guitars look like well used relics. But they have got to play and sound good too. I try to use an old box and 'relic' the rest. But you can relic the box too. For the neck, you can run a candle or propane torch to get some 'light scorching.' I prefer to paint with and acryllic craft paint and then sand off the edges and 'wear marks'. My last relic was a mildly beat up box and I sanded some wear into it and tried to make some pic marks. I have photos of, I think, 3-4 relics posted.

Go for it, man

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 16, 2011 at 1:40am

When I saw this topic, I was too excited to read. I went right down to the basement workshop and licked a box. Then I licked again. I should have read the thread first. :)

I haven't tried this, but thought maybe a good way to make a vintage box is to do a really bad job removing the label from a newer paper lined box, then paste it onto a wood box that I beat up with a light chain.

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Permalink Reply by Jason W. on May 19, 2011 at 8:41am

Disclaimer: I, in no way, advocate the licking of cigar boxes or other non-icecream-related items. Doing so may result in some really nasty papercuts.

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Permalink Reply by MichaelS Country Boy Guitars on May 20, 2011 at 4:26am

Ok, not going to add to the licking jokes, all the good ones are used up. My 'antiqueing' tip is this, build the cbg first then scuff, sand wear and lick re-lick it good. This way the wear marks are not under spots that would not be so worn. Also use it a lot and it will get worn. I have only made a couple 'used' ones but it was fun beating them up.

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Permalink Reply by Bad Finger (Eric) on May 20, 2011 at 6:24am

Well, if you are going to lick them, make sure to go across the grain and not with it. :)

My first attempts at relic-ing a box are going this weekend for a new Diddley Bow. I'll post up pictures. I relic-ed the neck of my Punch Bow with really good success last weekend.

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Permalink Reply by Joe Stidham on June 24, 2011 at 9:46am

I like using newer boxes and finishing them to look older or worn. You can apply a finish (Minwax, varnish, etc.) and then sand it off in spots using a coarse sandpaper for that road-worn look (for the appearance that the finish has been worn off by years of playing, elements, etc.). I like to use a dark stain (like walnut) sand off "wear" areas, and then re-coat the entire surface with a light stain (like pecan) for a two-tone worn but glowing look - like an old tobacco-fade guitar. If you use the back side of the box (the unfinished underside) as your front it is really easy to apply (and distress) your own finish. Layers of different shade finishes can add to the old look. Have fun!