I was recently given these older (I think) cigar boxes. The paper is peeling up pretty bad in places but I'd like to use them anyway because they're interesting looking boxes. Any suggestions on how to prep them before using them so they don't just fall apart?
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When I get boxes like these, I leave them just as they as are. It's fun to make rustic looking guitars. I "age" the neck with fire and antique brass accents with vinegar. I cut sound holes and leave them jagged. These usually sell well.
I agree with the others about propping up the insides with wood--or even Masonite to get a brighter resonance.Those boxes look like they may have no wood in them at all. Even if they are wooden, the paper is likely to damp the sound. Some hard surfaces inside the box should help the sound.
If you're worried about the outside paper deteriorating further, look into a family of products called "Mod Podge." It's a gloppy clear coating used in decoupage. Comes in several flavors, including "archival preservation" for old documents. Available from Hobby Lobby or Michael's. I've used it when I transferred a paper label onto a newer wooden box.
By the way, if the boxes fall apart on you, save all of the paper with lithographs and try to decoupage the labels onto new wooden craft boxes. Ya' might get a better sound that way anyway.
Great old boxes. Generally real wood and they make neat vintage style builds. If they are falling apart you can glue small blocks inside the corners and they will work fine. Love the character of the old stuff.
When I get boxes like these, I leave them just as they as are. It's fun to make rustic looking guitars. I "age" the neck with fire and antique brass accents with vinegar. I cut sound holes and leave them jagged. These usually sell well.
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When I get boxes like these, I leave them just as they as are. It's fun to make rustic looking guitars. I "age" the neck with fire and antique brass accents with vinegar. I cut sound holes and leave them jagged. These usually sell well.
Check out this picture.
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/harvester-up-close?context=user
I agree with the others about propping up the insides with wood--or even Masonite to get a brighter resonance.Those boxes look like they may have no wood in them at all. Even if they are wooden, the paper is likely to damp the sound. Some hard surfaces inside the box should help the sound.
If you're worried about the outside paper deteriorating further, look into a family of products called "Mod Podge." It's a gloppy clear coating used in decoupage. Comes in several flavors, including "archival preservation" for old documents. Available from Hobby Lobby or Michael's. I've used it when I transferred a paper label onto a newer wooden box.
By the way, if the boxes fall apart on you, save all of the paper with lithographs and try to decoupage the labels onto new wooden craft boxes. Ya' might get a better sound that way anyway.
TN
Yup. I love the old boxes best. Good advice from Muddy and Duck.
Great old boxes. Generally real wood and they make neat vintage style builds. If they are falling apart you can glue small blocks inside the corners and they will work fine. Love the character of the old stuff.
When I get boxes like these, I leave them just as they as are. It's fun to make rustic looking guitars. I "age" the neck with fire and antique brass accents with vinegar. I cut sound holes and leave them jagged. These usually sell well.
Check out this picture.
http://www.cigarboxnation.com/photo/harvester-up-close?context=user