~john~ Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 I think i've got my violin kit ready for finishing. my question is can i go ahead and use any varnish or do i have to use special stuff? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardd Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 John, Just to qualify this, in the 70's I worked in a violin shop and was interested in building so I did a lot of research on the subject. The finish on a violin is one of the critical elements. You need to use an oil based varnish made for violins. The other important element is to try to start with very thin coats and then build it up. i.e. To "float" the varnish on so it doesn't soak into the wood. Not sure on where to get it though. Good Luck, d ward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
~john~ Posted March 29, 2006 Author Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 well having had a rake through my house all i can find is some polyurothane varnish and some old danish oil. Would either of them do? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardd Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 John, I really think you need to find actual spirit varnish made for violin work, that is if you want any chance of the instrument sounding good. I believe either Poly or Tru-oil would kill the tone. Stew-Mac sells some - $27 for 16 oz. Good Luck, d ward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Setch Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 You won't have tghe correct substance in your house, unless you happen to build violins a lot... Spirit Varnish is the norm, though some people use shellac or variations on it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jay5 Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 Check out M_A_T_T's build log HERE. He has some AWESOME info on all the aspects of a violin build, including the finishing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wardd Posted March 29, 2006 Report Share Posted March 29, 2006 John, Here's an interesting link I found. Seems like a respectable maker with lots of luthier info. Some interesting electon microscope pics of varnish. http://www.gussetviolins.com/varnish.htm Good Luck, d ward Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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