Violin Forum/Message Board

[williamwalsman]

I use an efficient UV drying cabinet (12-18hrs dry to touch) for my oil varnish applications on violins. I am on my last few applications now prior to rubbing down with oil and pumice. In the past I think I might have rushed this last step. Even though the violin is absolutely dry to touch after 24 hrs. and can be seemingly rubbed down, what would be the optimal setting time for this last step? And if rushed what would be the symptoms with the varnish? Thanks in advance for any advice.

PS. Michael D. you were correct as usual about my concerns with the possible harm coming from using the cabinet in the basement. There are no negative issues at all. It is currently set up in the unfinished, unheated section. The drying box has two incandescent 40 watt bulbs as well as 8, 20 watt UV bulbs. The two reg. bulbs tied into a thermostat keep the box at a constant temp. range 72-78f. in a 40 degree basement. Works great, no fumes where I work. Bill

[Michael Darnton]

It depends on how you feel about varnish texture. Varnish continues to dry down for weeks. If you polish it sooner, texture will develop as it continues to dry. If you polish it much later, much less texture can develop, because most of the shrinking has already happened.
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[williamwalsman]

Thanks Michael for the quick response. I am not too concerned about texture as I have intentionally raised the front grain and rubbed color across to collect in the reeds. And with the back I have rubbed down specific areas to near ground coat to replicate wear. What I am concerned about is not having a haze in the varnish after the final rub down. I'm looking for a deep, clear satin finish. Is that possible or is a satin finish by definition required to have some haze?

[Michael Darnton]

Yes, a satin finish is only satin because the texture itself is a haze, and you're correct that this impairs apparent transparency.
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new blog at my site! http://darntonviolins.com/blog
my work sites: http://darntonviolins.com and http://darntonhersh.com