Violin Forum/Message Board

james ansara · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 1:10 am Post subject: Varnish between coats

Sanding between coats can cloud varnish,whats a good alternatve? Is micromesh different?How about abrasive powders? I have been using oil varnish. thanks J.A.

MWard · Junior Member Joined: 19 Oct 2010 Posts: 17

I just sand it down, and maybe sometimes bring up the shine with some micromesh just to see what it looks like, but even if I don't do that step, the new coat of varnish makes everything all shiny agin.
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Michael Darnton · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:16 pm Post subject:

Abrasion is abrasion; it doesn't matter what with. If you believe abrasion hurts, don't do it.

Different varnishes react differently to sanding between coats, and so you really need to do your own tests to see if there's a difference.
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james ansara · Posted: Fri Apr 01, 2011 12:30 pm Post subject:

I have tried scraping with razor blades on tests to good effect but this is difficult on the curves of an instrment.Perhaps the problem is with the varnish.Thanks J.A.

BK · Member Joined: 10 Apr 2011 Posts: 60

James,

Just curious, what kind of varnish do you generally use?

-BK

Dave Chandler · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 10:27 am Post subject: Sanding between varnish coats

You shouldn't need to sand between coats, unless you're just knocking off the bumps that may result from bubbles, or runs which can be avoided.

My advise, take extra precautions to ensure your varnish stays clean and the instrument, and brush are completely free of sawdust and contaminants.

Here's some ideas: http://www.violins.ca/forums/viewtopic.php?t=1141&highlight=
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james ansara · Posted: Thu May 19, 2011 4:40 pm Post subject:

BK,I am using an oil varnish called Brown-Omega that I bought at International Luthiers.If you are familiar with this varn. and it's properties please tell.Thanks for the replies and link, J.A.