Michael_Molnar

A number of European makers use Prussian Blue PB 27. But as the reds fade the blue does not.

Never use just the name. Check this color wheel. I always check the pigment designation. For example, Kremer does offer PG 7 and PG 36. Get PG 7. Also, adding more pigments reduces transparency. If you have PG 7, you have an incredibly transparent, strongly staining green. cwheel06.pdf

I have come to the conclusion that I tend to use applications in excess which is indeed counterproductive if not harmful. So, I now back off by either reducing concentrations, or use methods that mop up the excess. There is a rule about avoiding too much of a good thing. Do all things in moderation.

I use a CNC to rough them out, leaving room for artistic finessing. It is fun cleaning up and adding the details. Drawing a scroll in 3D is not easy.

Phthalo Green PG7 is indeed strongly tinting. It is a good color complement for madder and cochineal varnishes. A little PG 7 makes a red varnish darker. More produces burgundy. Much more will get to dark brown or black. Of course the varnish is becoming less transparent with more pigment. I don’t know how much PG 7 you used, but it might be possible to back out of burgundy by adding more of the original varnish. Don’t add red pigments to counter the PG 7. This will make the varnish less transparent.

Beware of condensation in the walls and attic where black mold can grow.

I will contact Echard and see if I can visit him.

If you added a drier, it will work.

The latest issue of The Scroll has nice pieces focused on varnish. Jackson Maberry does a great job taking us through Michelman’ Rosinates. And Joe Robson talks about his work and varnish workshops. Stacey Styles takes us through varnish repair which I think is magic. In another somewhat varnish related article, Philip Kass does a masterful job talking about historical craftsmanship. VSA membership has its benefits.

Remember when I was in Cremona? Well, she was at Lake Como looking for George Clooney. And I was with Bruce Carlson and you.

My wife will have those covered.

Wow. Lots to do. Sans doute Thanks.

My wife is making plans to visit Paris after the pandemic subsides and wants me to list places to visit. So, in the area of violin making are there are suggestions for places to put on that list?

Then, the answer is that we will never know. Anyone’s guess is valid until we advance to using AI for an answer.

Do a test. Play the instrument as you add varnish and see where it gets better or worse. Then, try removing the varnish according to historical wear patterns and again see how the tone changes.