Guitar relicing · Nitro refinishing
Guitar relicing and nitro refinishing
Natural wear, a thin nitro finish and a played-in feel are created by hand for the character and story of each instrument.
Selected Relicpaja work
What does guitar relicing mean?
Relicing is more than visual wear. The goal is a natural-looking surface and a more familiar feel without turning the instrument into a generic imitation.
Services
Relicing
Authentic-looking wear, patina and the feel of an instrument that has lived on stage. Light, medium or heavier relicing depending on the instrument.
Nitro refinish + relic
A new nitro finish followed by hand-made aging. Ideal when you want a new colour, an old-school surface and a more convincing vintage feel.
Setup and details
Final feel, finish and small details brought together. Also plastic part aging and finishing the whole instrument in the same visual language.
The process
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Disassembly
The instrument is carefully disassembled down to its individual parts. Electronics are normally left untouched. During a refinish, only the necessary solder joints are disconnected so the body can be worked on.
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Removing the original finish
The original finish is removed only during a full refinish. Depending on the surface, this is done chemically or by sanding. Large flat surfaces may be machine-sanded, while detailed areas are completed by hand.
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Surface preparation
The surface is prepared to receive the new finish. Small dents and scratches can be reduced, but the goal is not always a perfectly flat factory surface. Natural movement in the wood can add character.
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Painting
Primer, colour and clear coats are applied using Nitorlack nitrocellulose products. This provides a vintage-inspired result and makes natural nitro checking possible.
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Lacquering
The nitro lacquer is selected specifically for aging work. A thin, responsive lacquer surface creates the foundation for natural feel, patina and checking.
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Curing
The nitro finish is allowed to cure for approximately four weeks. Adequate curing time is essential for the desired feel, durability and final result.
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Vintage feel
After curing, the finish is treated to achieve its final feel. The aim is a played-in and familiar surface that feels as though the instrument has already lived a long musical life.
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Relicing and aging
Wear is created by hand with close attention to the construction and character of the instrument. The process combines material removal, added patina and several aging techniques.
Pricing
Refinish + relic – €680
Full instrument refinish and relicing. Typical production time is around 3–4 months.
Body or neck – €580
Refinish and relicing for the body or neck only.
Relicing without repaint – from €400
Aging an existing finish without a full repaint.
Frequently asked questions
How much does guitar relicing or a relic refinish cost?
Light Relic without repainting starts from €400. Medium Relic costs €480. A Nitro refinish + relic for a complete instrument starts from €680, excluding shipping. Special requests, faster turnaround and additional work may affect the final price.
How long does relicing or refinishing take?
A light relic job usually takes around one month. The standard turnaround time for a Nitro refinish + relic is approximately 3–4 months. Faster completion can be agreed separately for an additional fee.
How does relicing or refinishing affect the guitar?
Relicing can significantly change how an instrument feels. The stickiness of a factory finish is reduced, and the guitar feels more played-in and vintage-inspired. A refinish can completely renew both the feel and appearance of the instrument.
How can I influence the relicing or refinishing process?
Every instrument is made for the customer and their individual needs. You can send reference photos, colour preferences and ideas about the desired level of wear. You can also give Relicpaja more freedom to design the final result.
Can a polyurethane-finished guitar be reliced?
Yes. Poly-finished instruments can also be reliced. The final result and working methods depend on the existing finish, but a Light Relic treatment can work very well on a poly-finished guitar.
Can plastic and metal parts also be aged?
Yes. Aging the instrument’s parts is normally included in the relicing project unless the customer wants them left untouched. You can also bring only plastic parts to Relicpaja for aging.
What else is included besides relicing or painting?
The service includes customer consultation, planning, progress photos during the work and a final setup for the best possible playing feel. Relicpaja does not perform fretwork or electronics work.
Can relicing damage the guitar’s playability?
No. The aim is the opposite: the instrument should feel better, resonate more freely and be more inspiring to play. Depending on the buyer, relicing and refinishing may still affect resale value in different ways.
Can I get a completely factory-new finish?
Relicpaja specialises in relic finishes, so a completely factory-new NOS-style finish is not the primary service. However, the level of relicing can be very subtle and restrained.
Can you add a major guitar manufacturer’s logo to an unbranded guitar?
No. This is not permitted and is not available from Relicpaja.
Request an estimate
Send a photo of the instrument and describe the desired relic level, colour, timetable and delivery method.
+358 40 753 3746