I'm a guitar builder and I've been working on a personal guitar that is a replica of a Van Halen guitar. I've been trying to figure out how to achieve the look of cigarette ashes, beer and sweat and general grime that the original has because it's over 30 years old. The first picture is of the one that I've building and the second is what the original looks like.


I thought that model builders would have the answer for me. My question is this... What can I use (some special recipe) to get this grimy nasty look of yeasr of abuse in the cavities and on the pickups? Compare the pics and you can see what I'm wanting.

In the miniatures painting world there is a "wash" and dipping technique which might work for you here. Basically it gives a smoky, grimy look that would take you 80% of the way there. I see some green tarnishing and rust in that pic too which might require some fine detailing with acrylic or brushing (before coating it with your washing solution). You can buy premixed batches of a "dip" here: http://armypainter.fanatic.dk/ . You can also find a recipe for washing here: http://www.drunkdwarves.com/pages/artttgttcdipping.html