Violin Forum/Message Board

Mat Roop · Posted: Mon Jul 22, 2013 9:41 pm Post subject: violin varnish storage

Most of my work is restoration and I use commercial oil based violin varnishes of various colors.
Because I use small amounts, I find that the varnishes start to gel in the container in about 6-9 months ... and that starts to get expensive. Any suggestions on how long a commercial varnish should last? or what to do to preserve them, or are there some types that stay fresh longer?
I know that spirit varnishes will stay good for years, but I find I can get better results with the oil based.
Thanks for your advice!
Cheers, Mat

FiddleDoug · Member Joined: 08 Sep 2007 Posts: 227 Location: Hilton, NY

The general rule from the "painting community" is to exclude oxygen from the container. There are some blanketing gas dispensers that you can get for this. Not sure what kind of gas they use (C02, N2?).

I use spirit type materials for retouching, and, as I have been taught, make up very small amounts of color matching varnish for individual jobs.
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Doug Wall

www.wallindependent.com

actonern · Super Member Joined: 15 Aug 2007 Posts: 444

This stuff works good...

http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=30268&cat=1,190,44133,30268

Chet Bishop · Posted: Tue Jul 23, 2013 10:09 am Post subject: Re: violin varnish storage

violinarius · Member Joined: 14 Dec 2007 Posts: 171

It works, but it can get you into trouble ..... with the kids! Shocked

Put marbles in the container to raise the varnish level, and remove any air.

Just don't tell the kids that I suggested it, and don't use any prized aggies! Wink

Cliff Green · Posted: Wed Jul 24, 2013 9:26 am Post subject:

I have a small refrigerator in my shop to store varnish,Ca glues, and the occasional beverage.

kubasa · Member Joined: 13 Sep 2007 Posts: 212

Marbles - that's an excellent idea! Or as my little nephew calls them - narbles. I'll have to try that.

Mat Roop · Posted: Thu Jul 25, 2013 10:47 am Post subject:

Thanks folks... I tried the stuff from Lee Valley... and did not think it helped much... Maybe I'm into the jar of varnish just too often...maybe I'll try again by dispensing into a smaller eardrop bottle for regular use, then sealing the varnish jar with the lee valley stuff.
Cheers, Mat