I’ve got a brand new chrome tele bridge plate on the way that I’d like to age mildly.
Reading a few threads on here and elsewhere, nickel seems to be easy, but not much on how to do chrome parts. I was thinking of using etching acid/hydrochloric/muriatic acid - are they one of the same thing or different? Will it work on chrome? Using the method of placing the part in a container, exposing it to the fumes only, how long do I leave it for?
I don’t want anything drastic, just want to knock the shine back a bit like the one in the first pic below.
https://www.axetremecreations.com/product/serial-number-telecaster-bridge-relic-fender-pat-pending-plate/
Comments
To get a believable effect would take one phase of all over mild stripping to reveal the nickel, followed by more pronounced localised tarnishing in the corners. (Tilt the bridge plate. Increase the acid concentration. Apply very locally.)
If possible, study plenty of photographs of old Telecasters or Esquires to see where the corrosion does and does not appear. For instance, the Nacho Baños book The Blackguard.