Violin Forum/Message Board

Paul Cormier · Junior Member Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 12

I just got some oil pigment, mixed on a piece of glass to the color I wanted, mixed it into clear varnish, and applied my coat of color. It is not very brown, in fact , it's pretty pale. What next? I don't want to blow this.

jacobyfineviolins · Member Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 55 Location: Omaha, NE

Next, you Keep Calm and Carry On.
If it's not dark enough, or brown enough, apply some more. Don't let it get too thick on the glass plate.
You can't blow it, man. You can always get a can of CitriStrip and start over from the sealer. So read up on materials and methods, be careful with drying time, and put some more varnish on that sucker.
_________________
I could have carved a scroll by now.
http://jacobyfineviolins.squarespace.com/

Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 4:54 pm Post subject:

They look even better the second and third time! CitriStrip + varnish slurry was probably the secret of the elusive Cremonese ground!
_________________
new blog at my site! http://darntonviolins.com/blog
my work sites: http://darntonviolins.com and http://darntonhersh.com

Chet Bishop · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 5:32 pm Post subject:

I'm afraid I have to agree.
Something rather wonderful happens because of citristrip. Wish I knew exactly what was going on there. Hope it doesn't hurt anything...doesn't seem to, though.
_________________
Chet Bishop
https://bluefiddles.com
https://fivestringfiddles.com

jacobyfineviolins · Member Joined: 04 Mar 2013 Posts: 55 Location: Omaha, NE

ha! I thought I was the only heretic...
_________________
I could have carved a scroll by now.
http://jacobyfineviolins.squarespace.com/

Paul Cormier · Junior Member Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 12

Thanks guys, Now it I fail I can blame it on you! Wink

Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 8:44 pm Post subject:

No, no: your failure is your own. If you succeed, you can credit us, though.
_________________
new blog at my site! http://darntonviolins.com/blog
my work sites: http://darntonviolins.com and http://darntonhersh.com

actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

I've always stripped with alcohol or turpentine on a rag... never used "citristrip."

Does it work well?

E

Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:01 pm Post subject:

I actually used acetone and green kitchen pads. Most of the folks in my summer workshop are CitriStrip fans, though.
_________________
new blog at my site! http://darntonviolins.com/blog
my work sites: http://darntonviolins.com and http://darntonhersh.com

ctviolin · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:46 pm Post subject:

Paul Cormier · Junior Member Joined: 05 Feb 2013 Posts: 12

I can't elieve the support. I have put ithe violin up for drying . I'm going to have a beer. Thanks folks . I'll report back

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

I don't know why but I've been nervous about using citrus strip. However, the method I use probably makes people cringe. I use 0000 steel wool. A local guitar luthier suggested it to me. It involves a fair amount of "elbow grease" but can tell when I go through the color layer so I don't have to go any further. Then I put another clear coat on and resume my work. I know there seems to be a stigma associated with steel wool but it has worked well for me.

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

Please keep in mind that if you're using only pigments, and not transparent colored varnish, you may end up with kind of a muddy, semi-opaque finish.
_________________
Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

kjb · Super Member Joined: 06 Feb 2013 Posts: 385

you might look into (if you already don't have one) a drying box, you can put one together pretty cheaply with a garbage can and black lights.