Varnishing
Even after 86 instruments and a great many restoration jobs that involved a lot of varnish work, varnishing a new instrument is still a bit of an adventure. I usually sample the process on a scrap of rib stock from the wood used in the current project. The way the wood is prepped to recieve the first coats of coloring has a big impact on the way it looks visually, even if I use the exact same coloring agents.
While some violin makers are happy to leave the varnish making to a person or business that specializes in the product, I prefer to make all of it myself. Oddly enough I think I get more consistent results. No one changes a recipe without my knowledge! And little tweeks to the process can have big results.
So what it is made out of? Basically it is linseed oil and a few kinds of resin from different coniferous trees. Add to that a lot of heat, practise, observation and many disasters and eventually you have something that works and holds up fairly well.
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