Violin Forum/Message Board

[johngia]

How many coats of 1 pound cut will effectively seal the wood for oil varnish? I've used shellac ground before with 2 to 3 coats, but wondering if one coat is sufficient.

Thanks.

[famuswood]

You might do well to read what Michael Darnton has written on the subject. Toward the bottom of his online material on violin varnishing he discusses shellac and the ratio of alcohol to shellac he recommends. Good luck.

http://www.darntonviolins.com/violinmagazine/book/varnishing.pdf
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I love the feel of wood in my hands - the smell of fresh cut lumber and the challenge of a difficult woodworking project on a sunny day . . .

[johngia]

Thanks famuswood for the info. I wish I would have read that years ago. I am just finishing up 17 and 18. Started 19 and 20. I am going to keep making until I get a finish I'm happy with! --- (And Thanks Michael for the article)

[Joshua Blevins]

if you haven't attended Michael's workshop either I strongly recommend it
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[gacho]

just go to a lumber store and buy the 3lb cut shellac and go quick on the strokes ,"It's not VARNISH!" don't thin it ,it'll seep further into the wood. if it's to thick, sand paper it.

[gacho]

just go to a lumber store and buy the 3lb cut shellac and go quick on the strokes ,"It's not VARNISH!" don't thin it ,it'll seep further into the wood. if it's to thick, sand paper it.

[Andres Sender]

If you use unthinned shellac you have a high chance of getting burned-in effects in end grain areas.

The tendency toward splotchiness due to differing absorbency of the wood is why even in furniture it is recommended to put a 'spit coat' down when using shellac as a finish.

...and I heartily 2nd the recommendation to attend Michael's workshop.
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You can only connect the dots that you have.

[Mat Roop]

I recommend not to buy commercial liquid shellac... Buy the pure flakes and dissolve your own... cheers, Mat