Can a violin be refinished?
By Matthew Alvarez
Can a violin be refinished?
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 much does it cost to refurbish a violin?
This repair typically requires that a new piece be cut with precision so that it fits perfectly on the violin. This new piece is often included in the cost of the repair, which is $50-70 for student and intermediate-grade instruments, and $70-$100+ for professional violins.
How do you fix a broken lacquer?
Spray a wet coat of pure lacquer thinner on a surface that has cracks, orange peel or roughness. The thinner will emulsify the surface and the defects should disappear when it hardens again. You can get the same results by spraying a full wet coat of thinned-down lacquer.
How do you fix cracked varnish?
Spray a full wet coat of lacquer on the door, using either a compressed air spray gun or an aerosol can. The coat should be thick enough to be visibly liquid and to stay wet for several minutes. As the fresh lacquer softens and combines with the old, the finish will flow and level out, and the cracks should disappear.
How do you refurbish an old violin?
Steaming and using a counter form can be used to restore warped wood to its original shape. Abrasions, chips and worn out peg holes can be replaced locally with minimal effects to the overall structure and will often appear seamless and invisible after retouching when left to a master craftsman.
Can you fix scratches on a violin?
If your instrument does get a scratch, you can try to fix it yourself by applying paraffin oil and a soft cloth. If the scratch is too deep, you might want to consider taking it a luthier to have it fixed. If it’s just a chip in the wood, take the piece that fell off to the luthier and have him put it back in place.
What kind of finish is on a violin?
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.
