How to fade an OEM finish

[Two Steps]

I know people darken finishes...Sun, UV, etc...

How would one go about fading or lightening a nitro finished guitar? Specifically get the crappy red (3 tone) minimized...

Can it even be done without major work? Because I WON'T DO ANYTHING TECHNICAL (e.g. Sanding & staining) So if it can't be done, it's not meant to be

Thanks as always! You guys rock!

 

[Bones]

The red will fade very quickly in the sun. It's the least stable color.

 

[KevinB]

Yes, as Bones says put the guitar on a stand in front of a sunny window. The only problem is that modern paints have much better UV inhibitors in them than they used to have 30+ years ago.

Or...you can google "guitar" and "tanning booth"

 

[Two Steps]

Righteous! THANK YOU! Will the sun make the other parts darker and lighten the red?

 

[Two Steps]

Problem then...I have all dual pane windows. So should I put the guitar outside since it is verrrry dry here in the summers? It gets up to 100° in the sun...won't that really warp the wood?

 

[KevinB]

The sun will lighten everything, but some pigments will lighten more than others (usually red lightens most).

I wouldn't put the guitar outside. Not in 100 degree temps anyway. The light coming through your windows should still lighten the finish. It will take a while - maybe 6 months or so - so take a peek under the pickguard every moth or so to see how it is progressing.

 

[MikeMurray]

Unless there's a film of sorts on the windows, the double glazing will not be an issue.

However you can look here

 

[Two Steps]

Right on as always! Thank you all for your wisdom! Keep on pickin'.

 

[JCSouthpawtele]

grow to love that guitar and relic/age it at your own pace.

 

[Boubou]

wear glasses with the appropriate tint that will make the red disappear

 

[String Tree]

Take it out and play some gigs with it for about 30 years.

Trust me on this one.

 

[Fearnot]

Leave it with me and I'll get it back to you, nicely relic-ed and faded, in about 30 years.

Or you could do that yourself. Your choice.

 

[Two Steps]

Fading RED and relic'ing are two different entities. 3 tone sunburst on a Gibson LP is not natural . . .