It is said that violin makers learn to make instruments for ten years before spending the rest of their lives perfecting their varnish. A good varnish improves tone quality, protects the ground layer, and contributes to the instrument’s unique beauty. Consider whether you want a shellac or oil-based product, as well as the type of resin you prefer, when choosing the best violin varnish for your situation.
Synthetic polyurethane is the most basic and least expensive type of varnish. Because of its durability and low cost, it is most commonly used in beginner instruments for children. This is a thick varnish that can severely dampen the sound of an instrument and is therefore not recommended for high-quality instruments.
Shellac varnish, also known as spirit varnish, is made from the lac bug’s secretions dissolved in alcohol. This is how the majority of French varnishes are made. Shellac can be applied very thinly, resulting in the purest sound, according to some violinists. Despite the availability of softer varieties, shellac varnish is typically more brittle than oil varnish and is susceptible to flaking and cracking.
Oil-based violin varnish is made combining linseed or walnut oil with a strong solvent like turpentine. Linseed varnishes are known for not fully curing and remaining slightly sticky, making them more vulnerable to minor marks, dents, and impressions. However, most of these minor flaws disappear after a few days, and the amount of stickiness varies depending on the type and amount of resin used. This may be more of a problem in extremely humid or dusty environments, but the difficulties can usually be avoided with proper care.
Once dissolved in a solvent, either a shellac or an oil violin varnish will be mixed with a resin. The sap-like substance excreted from trees when the bark is damaged is referred to as “resin.” Rosin is the softest resin and comes in a variety of colors. It is extracted from live trees. Amber resin is derived from tree fossils and produces a long-lasting, high-polish varnish. Copal is a straw-colored resin that comes from older trees that aren’t fossilized and has a wide range of strengths.
Consider the effects on appearance and market value when deciding whether or not to touch up or re-varnish your violin. The majority of violin varnishes are available in a variety of colors and sheens, many of which are a matter of personal taste. Touching up an older instrument, on the other hand, should only be done if the flaws do not affect sound quality. Many experts prefer antiqued instruments, and any alterations to the original instrument may reduce its value.