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Mat Roop Senior Member
Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 911 Location: Wyoming Ontario
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 1:32 pm Post subject: soft varnish |
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I received an old violin for restoration apparently made 80-100 yrs ago, by a family member who was a doctor. It seems to be well made to 7/8 dimensions.
My concern is that the varnish has been applied rather thick and is still somewhat soft.. holding it firmly will leave fingerprints. The owners wish to leave it to their late teens daughter for use.
1- considering it will be used regularly, what can be done to "dry" the varnish, or at least harden the surface so that rosin and dirt does not stick so readily.
2- If not much can be done, what special care tips should I offer?
Thanks for your advice!... Mat |
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L P Reedy Super Member
Joined: 02 Apr 2009 Posts: 276 Location: Brevard, NC
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 7:01 pm Post subject: |
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If this is 80 to 100 year-old varnish, it isn't going to get better on its own. If it has been recently applied, it might harden over time but might better be "polished" with alcohol. (But I'm not officially recommending that.)
One alternative, as suggested elsewhere, is to let it wear as it will. Another alternative MIGHT be to French polish it. However, that would require a test on an inconspicuous spot. I have no such experience so don't know how it would work. |
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DonLeister Moderator
Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 383 Location: Richmond, VA
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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Maybe you could hang it up 24/7 and let it get some air for a good while.
Also you could let it get some light, either direct sunlight (leave it near a window) or hang it in a UV lightbox if you have one.
Has it been in a case for a long time? |
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Mat Roop Senior Member
Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 911 Location: Wyoming Ontario
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Posted: Sat Aug 25, 2018 11:55 pm Post subject: |
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I think it has been in a case for many many years... I cleaned the surface with xylene and that seemed to help... Like Don suggested, I'll expose it to sunlight for a week or so and see what happens.
Not sure I want to try french polish as the base might be too soft.
Thanks for the comments... mat |
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Michael Darnton Moderator
Joined: 23 Mar 2007 Posts: 1281 Location: Chicago
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Mat Roop Senior Member
Joined: 24 Mar 2007 Posts: 911 Location: Wyoming Ontario
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Posted: Fri Oct 26, 2018 7:05 pm Post subject: |
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worked out real nice... client loves the result. I just did a couple of wipe- downs with Xylene and then aired it out for a month.
My guess is that the combination of the the residue of smoke and smut and the violin being sealed in the case for decades was the culprit.
Thanks for all your comments:) ... Mat |
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DonLeister Moderator
Joined: 29 Mar 2007 Posts: 383 Location: Richmond, VA
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Posted: Tue Oct 30, 2018 9:26 pm Post subject: |
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Excellent! |
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