Violin Forum/Message Board

WhiteWolf · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 5:36 pm Post subject: What kind of varnish do I use?

I have a violin that had been painted white then spray painted, originally. I have since taken the stuff off and now would like to know what the best kind of varnish to use is, since the stuff that took the paint off also removed the varnish. Question

Tim McTigue · Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 7:28 pm Post subject:

<flip answer mode>Sounds like it's not worth worrying about, you can't possibly do worse than what was done originally</flip answer mode>

Sorry, I really should keep my mouth shut, as I don't have much of substance to offer, but aside from answering the question in the message subject with "I have no idea, what kind DO you use?", I couldn't resist. Sorry...

I'd hazard a guess that pretty much any recognized system would be an improvement, though, as long as you're SURE you got all the bad stuff off.

On the ONE violin I've made, I used 3 coats of shellac as a "ground", followed by 3 coats of oil varnish...
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Tim
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FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

That would depend on the age and value of the violin. If it was a historic instrument, worth many thousands, I would have an expert restorer do the work. For an old German instrument worth a few hundred on a good day, anything would be an improvement over spray paint. I'm not an expert, but in you're situation I'd consider a coat of thinned, de-waxed shellac, followed by some oil varnish. Someone on another forum said that he had good luck (totally non-traditional, but probably OK for your use) with Ace Hardware Oil Spar Varnish. It comes in 1/2 pint cans, so it's a reasonable amount to work with.
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Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

Geemac · Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 6:14 pm Post subject:

First you need to establish a correct color for the violin. Smoothing between coats, I use two or three coats of orange shellac. When the color looks right and it is dry, a clear varnish will give you the sheen you want. To add richness to the surface use a damp cloth and some 'rotten stone'.
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GeeMac

Mat Roop · Posted: Tue Jul 21, 2009 7:35 pm Post subject:

If you are down to the wood ( hopefully you have not removed any patina) buy some violin varnish from a reputable violin supply house. I would apply 3 to 5 light coats of your chosen color...but use an oil based varnish because Spirit based varnish or shellac although it works great, it is real hard to work with unless you have had some experience with it.
If possible ... take the violin to a violin luthier and ask for his opinion... and that should not cost at all ... and they would likely also sell you the varnish.
As for spar varnish... it is far too thick and "rubbery" for my liking.... an interior true varnish (not polyurethane or anything like it) would work better, but Violin varnish is the way to go... IMHO:) Cheers, Mat

John Cadd · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject: Violin varnish

Try Magister Varnish Made in Holland .See their site for a masterclass in violin varnish methods and history.

John Cadd · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:45 pm Post subject: Violin varnish

Try Magister Varnish Made in Holland .See their site for a masterclass in violin varnish methods and history.

John Cadd · Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2009 6:46 pm Post subject: Violin varnish

Try Magister Varnish Made in Holland .See their site for a masterclass in violin varnish methods and history.