Andy Eagle ( Guitar repair tech for 30 years )

[Eagle]

Any cool way to nicely relic a poly strat body? I know this has been asked many times online, and that it's tough to relic poly without the guitar looking like it has simply been beaten up bad, but figured you may have some tips.

No because when you do a relic you need to replicate what happens to the paint that is not just damage. You need to look at real instruments that you’re trying to copy. A convincing relic always starts with the paint job . Discolouration and applied in the same way as your replicating. Thinning and checking if relevant.
Just attacking a poly finish always looks fake and usually terrible.