What is violin ground coat?

What is violin ground coat?

In the book The Art of Violin Making the authors describe how to make a ground coat using one part hide glue mixed with twenty-five parts of water “to which is added a small amount of alum.”

What is violin varnish made of?

Violin varnish is applied with a brush in two or more coats. It is composed of sun-thickened oils such as linseed or walnut, oxidized resins and added coloring matter. Good historic Italian varnish is highly translucent and soft, yet friable. The surface has texture and a delicate patina, not a new car gloss.

What finish is used on old violins?

Varnishes for violins tend to be either oil varnish, or sprit based varnish (also known as shellac) and in this post, we’ll take a look at oil varnish. We know how good some old oil-based varnish recipes are because some renowned violin makers have been using varnishes based on centuries-old recipes.

Is shellac used on violins?

Linseed oil, and shellac has been the death of violin varnishes since they began to be used. Any violin maker who uses these substances (in essence) spoils the true tone his instruments are capable of producing. The varnish on your violin is probably laid on too thickly, which will seem to magnify the indentions.

Are violins varnished?

The varnish a violinmaker uses on fine violins, violas and cellos is usually proprietary, and has much to do with the sound and character of the instrument. Violinmakers know that even the most subtle of details are crucial in perfecting the sound quality of fine violins, violas and cellos.

Are violins lacquered?

A varnish is a finish composed of a drying oil and a resin. In the past, and still now for violins, many natural resins were/are used: pine sap and derivatives, copal, amber, sandarac, mastic, etc. The resin which comes from the lac bug is shellac.

Whats the difference between a laquer and a varnish?

Differences between Varnish and Lacquer Both varnish and lacquer provide shiny and glossy finishes to fixture surfaces. While varnishes produce a semi-gloss or satin sheen finish, lacquers provide more sheen levels, ranging from high gloss to ultra matte.

What is spirit varnish?

Definition of spirit varnish : a varnish in which a volatile liquid (such as alcohol) is the solvent.

Do violins need varnish?

The wood lacks durability, so violin makers protect it from environmental damage using a varnish. It is this protective coating that gives the violin its elegant dark brown colour. Violin makers pass their varnish recipes down from one generation to the next.

Can you refinish an old violin?

Refinishing an instrument for aesthetics is not recommended. One of history’s great, unsolved mysteries is what makes the sound produced by the finest of Italian violins so magnificent.

How do you apply varnish to a violin?

There are two general strategies for laying on violin varnish – a few relatively thick coats, or many thin ones. Spirit varnishes, which tend to dry quickly by evaporation, can’t be relied on to flow out, so are best applied in numerous thin layers.

Can You stain a violin with bare wood?

Make sure instrument is sealed completely before varnishing. Antique Stain # 421–Ready to use Oxidation Stain. Violin with bare wood should be treated (sealed) first with Gelatin Powder mixed with warm water. This ready oxidation stain can then be applied after the instrument is sealed.

What is a Guarnerius violin made of?

For violin only. Made from tough clear plastic material, choose from full scale Strad or Guarnerius models. Made from tough clear plastic material, choose from full scale Strad or Guarnerius models. Made from tough clear plastic material, standard model.

How do you use oxidation stain on a violin?

Instructions: Dissolve about 30 grams (1 ounce) in 1 liter of water, heat till solution is clear and thin. More than one coat maybe necessary, lightly sand with fine sand paper between coats. Make sure instrument is sealed completely before varnishing. Antique Stain # 421–Ready to use Oxidation Stain.