Replies

1. 
   peter28 | Dec 10, 2007 04:50pm | #1

   BronkoB,

   I suspect you are stirring bubbles into the varnish prior to applying it. That's one thought.

   Are you staining the wood? If so it might not be dry enough before you are applying the varnish and you are getting some "solvent pop" That is the the solvent that is trapped beneath the surface is forcing it's way out. Once a stain is dry a thin coat of shellac will seal it in and provide a foundation for your varnish.

   If you don't mind telling me; what is the varnish and what type of brush are you using. Also, what brand thinner are you using?

   There are so many books and formulas for violin  finishes, I always find it interesting. As you know, some coatings take months to fully cure. That is why you see them hanging in violin shops. 

   Try doing your varnish on a sample piece and if the bubbles appear, see if they will rub out. It might just be a minor surface issue. It's hard to definitively say without seeing it.

   I would also make sure the problem is solved prior to the six coats. If the "ground" coatings are flawed, trying to compensate down the line is extremely difficult.

   Also, look into Abralon pads for rubbing out a surface. They come in grits from 180 to 4000. They are expensive but well worth it.

   Keep me posted.

   Peter 

1. 
   BronkoB | Dec 12, 2007 06:51pm | #2

   Thanks for your great advice.  I am using an oil varnish and a "varnish" brush(suggestions?) that  I purchased from a violin supply house.  I used Home Depot's paint thinner to thin the varnish-is there a specialized thinner I should be using?  My first coat was actually a "brown varnish" which I assume is the same varnish with pigment added.  Which grits of Abralon should I be using on my violin?  I have been giving each coat a light sanding with 400 grit sand paper.  Thanks again for your help.  This is an unbelievably great service to be able to communicate with experts.

1. 
   peter28 | Dec 17, 2007 05:20pm | #3

   BronkoB,

   The brown varnish is often referred to as an "antiquing" varnish. It probably has some asphaltum (tar) in it to create that old brown look.

   Is there a brand name on it? I'm just curious.

   Believe it or not, I often use a foam brush for varnishing. If you try them;

   Before varnishing, give it a couple of drops of mineral spirits to "charge" it.

   Dip it into the varnish and let it absorb some varnish. Don't press into the bottom of your varnish container as it will create a multitude of bubbles, just like a sponge will in water. Also never scrape the varnish off into the container as it will also create bubbles.

   Apply the varnish in the same manner as usual. You'll find it lays the varnish down very well without any brushstrokes.

   The thinner I use is made by Schreuder and is distributed by Fine Paints of Europe. Check for a supplier in your area. The thinner is much more refined than the HD type and is priced accordingly. Expect to pay around $12 a liter or so. You'll see the difference as soon as you use it to thin a varnish. You'll need about one quarter the amount to get the same cut. If you use the bristle brush, use the HD thinner to clean it.

   Sanding between coats with a 500 grit abralon will do the trick. When you get done, try rubbing it with on of the finer types, 1000 or 2000. You can dampen them with water and use them wet. Just be aware that they will cut very quickly when used like this so WATCH YOUR EDGES.

   You can also wash the residue out of them when used like this. Squeeze out the water afterwards, let them dry and they can be re-used. 

   Thanks for the words on this service, John, Ernie, Bob, Gary, Matt(did I forget anyone?) and I all appreciate that very much.

   Have fun.

   Peter

    

1. 
   BronkoB | Dec 17, 2007 09:25pm | #4

   Thanks again for the great advice - I follow it to the letter.  The varnish doesn't have a name  on it.  I understood it comes from Germany.  I bought it from Atlantic Violin Supplies.

1. 
   BronkoB | Dec 21, 2007 07:53pm | #5

   Just want to give you a follow up.  The small bubbles rubbed out just fine.