Violin Forum/Message Board

[Dave Chandler]

Johngia:
I put on a coat of clear varnish topcoat, then rub down with rottenstone mixed with olive oil on small square of felt, if I start to get color I've gone too far. The olive oil evaporates very fast, leaves no residual that I can tell and a fairly glossy finish.

For even more high gloss, you can give it a thin "french polish" of clear spirit varnish. I use olive oil here too with initial padding, then less oil as I go. Some will use a drop of alcohol on the pad toward the end. Its easy, but takes some practice on scraps. I will often practice technique on my tops and backs before I even start to carve them.
_________________
Dave in the Blue Ridge
Southern Violin Association

"Success is the ability to go from one failure to the next with no loss of enthusiasm" Winston Churchill

"I took the road less travelled, and now I don't know where I am." Marco Polo

[johngia]

Thanks to all for all the tips.

Several days ago I strung up No 12 without putting any polish/wax on it. It has subdued shine which looks OK. After the Tripoli/water rubdown, prior to fitting up, I went over it with one of those white abrasive pads, dry, and that seemed to increase the shine slightly.

Put the first coat of varnish on No. 13 today. Will try some of your suggestions. The varnish is still wet, and I just glued the corner blocks in the mold for No 14. There's another forum topic warning of the addictive nature of violin making. Right on. I can't stop. I can't stop. This is just a hobby --- I don't sell them. Running out of room to store them. This is my last one. I promise. (Ya right). That's what I said after No 2, 3, 4, .......

Thanks again.

[Joseph Leahy]