Artificially aging a les Paul has its fans and not-so-fans, but there’s one comment here that’s worth checking on.
“It won’t make it sound better”
Perhaps not better, but if a good portion of raw wood is exposed on the body, usually the upper portion coming from arm movement and/or the back from beer belly, the tone of the instrument will change.
I own a 58 Standard bought for 8 grand back in 1980 with a glossy not-so-good refinish job by its prior owner. Been playing it for 40 years -awesome.
Five years ago, had a Japanese luthier properly restore the finish closer to its original state with a drier yet brighter fatness for a even more awesome tone.
Perhaps my experience is not in line with relic aging but the tone of the Les Paul will change pertaining to the state of its finish.