Violin Forum/Message Board

ollieken · Posted: Fri May 23, 2008 11:41 am Post subject: Bow Varnish

I have an old bow that the varnish is in bad shape almost to the wood
To refinish it how do you go about it ? Strip it ? What is the best way to do this . Any Advice Thanks Ken

Jack H. · Posted: Sat May 24, 2008 1:15 pm Post subject: Re: Bow Varnish

Mat Roop · Posted: Sun May 25, 2008 10:35 pm Post subject:

Ken.. is it a valuable bow?... If not then what I do most times is clean it well with a warm solution of ammonia... it cuts the rosin real easy, dry it and give it an oil varnish rub.... ie rub it down with oil varnish, then wipe it all off... that leaves just a microfilm and dries to a bit of a satin sheen. I now never completely refinish a bow as it leaves it "artificial" looking. Even if there are chips in the finish, I touch them up to make them less obvious but I never get rid of the story that the bow could tell.... cheers, Mat

ollieken · Posted: Tue May 27, 2008 12:37 pm Post subject: Thank s

Thank you for the reply
I cleaned it put two coates of stain with a cloth & some lite varnish &
it turned out great & still has its old varniish look Thanks

Mat it belonged to a ladys Grand father it is old it has Germany behind the frog on the bottom of the stick Likley factory? . Ken

Mat Roop · Posted: Thu Jun 05, 2008 8:36 pm Post subject:

Ken... I agree its a factory bow... and there are lots of them around. Some are pretty good too... glad it turned out good for you!
cheers... Mat.