Secrets Revealed: The Art of Violin Varnishing Like Never Before

[@Stradivarius-xd4me]

Magnifique travail la couleur du vernis est très réussie et le vernis très transparent.

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you so much! I’m glad you like the color and transparency of the varnish!

[@mkdijkstra4855]

ih i forgot to ask you Marco, what kind of brush you use for this spirit varnish?, what kind of hair , etc? thanks

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

I prefer brushes with natural bristles, and I specifically use sable brushes. They provide the flexibility and precision needed for applying spirit varnish evenly.

[@JacquesLuu]

that's some cool visual asmr ! love seing the violin shine after some brushing

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you! I'm glad you enjoyed the visual ASMR aspect of it. Appreciate your comment and support!

[@mahmoudabokhder3418]

طريقه عمل الورنيش المستعمل فى الدهان

[@balin71]

I enjoyed this video. There is something so satisfying about watching a violin have its layers of varnish applied. You done a wonderful job. Great application technique. Thankyou for sharing your craft with the world.

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you so much for your kind words! I'm truly glad you enjoyed the video and appreciated the varnishing technique. Sharing my craft and passion for violin making with the world is a joy for me. Thanks again for your support and for watching!

[@Cherfield-D-Blessedman]

What type of materials you have used, please?

[@brunaaraujo8131]

This violin is beautiful, what color is it? orange and any other color? thank you

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you! I always use a mix of natural colors-orange, red, and brown-blended carefully to achieve the desired shade.

[@peterminar4568]

beautiful ❤

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you!!

[@joelvincentdonate]

avec Marco🤣 tout est beau

[@timothymallon]

As you get to that final coat, do you increase the amount of alcohol to keep the brush flowing, or do you use an oil towards the end? I find that I need to rush in order for my shellac to not dry before I finish a pass with my brush or cloth.

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thanks for your question! For the final coat of varnish, I actually dilute it heavily with alcohol. This helps keep the brush flowing smoothly and allows for a more controlled and even application.

[@acemikemanci]

very nice varnish. You can tell the ingredients for making alcohol polish. 🙏

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

It’s a simple mixture of alcohol and transparent varnish, in ratio 10:1

[@acemikemanci]

@@MarcoOsioViolinmaker Do you only use shellac and alcohol? Although I apply it almost like yours, I use shellac and alcohol, it is not as beautiful as yours. 😞

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Using only shellac and alcohol can indeed be limiting. In my process, I incorporate other resins like mastic and sandarac, which can make a significant difference in the results. These resins add unique qualities to the varnish, enhancing both the appearance and the sound of the instrument. It's all about finding the right balance and combination that works for you. Keep experimenting and you might find your ideal mix!

[@docdoc]

What kind of brush are you using?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

I use a brush with sable hair. Their quality and elasticity make them perfect for achieving a smooth and even finish.

[@ogarridoa]

What secret have you revealed?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Indeed, there are two secrets revealed here: The first is the technique of using the brushes, a skill honed over years of practice. The second, and perhaps most important, is patience. Both are essential in the art of violin varnishing. Thanks for watching the video!

[@mkdijkstra4855]

How much times do you polish after which layers?

[@gesu1742]

Very nice technique, thank you for sharing! I bet there's also a secret to getting just the right consistency of the varnish to work beautifully like this. If I may ask, is your spruce sealer albumin?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you for your kind words! Indeed, getting the right consistency of the varnish is crucial. As for the sealer, I actually use casein rather than albumin. Casein provides a reliable and consistent base for the subsequent layers of varnish, ensuring both the quality and the durability of the finish.

[@mkdijkstra4855]

@@MarcoOsioViolinmaker so casein works with spirit varnish

[@MirralisDias]

Hey Marco, wonderful work What did you start applying at 10:28 to make it shiny?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you for the compliment! At 10:28, I start applying a mixture of alcohol with a bit of transparent varnish, in a ratio of about 10 to one. This helps to bring out the shine and really make the violin's finish pop.

[@MirralisDias]

​@@MarcoOsioViolinmakerOh, really interesting And does it only work when you sand down the previous layer before applying the mixture? I commissioned a violin from a luthier here in Brazil, he said he uses turpentine and grease-based pigments, and that the varnish is less dense and rigid, making it absorb more light, therefore not so reflective as oil varnish I wonder if he could use that last part of the process you did (sand and apply the mixture of alcohol and transparent varnish), in order to give the violin that beautiful shiny look the violins from the old masters have

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Yes, this technique works best on a sanded surface for better adhesion and finish. As for your luthier's method in Brazil, using turpentine and grease-based pigments is quite common and does affect the light absorption and reflectiveness of the varnish. Each luthier has their unique approach, and it’s possible for your luthier to try similar techniques for an antique look. Hope your new instrument turns out beautifully!

[@MirralisDias]

@@MarcoOsioViolinmaker Thank you, Marco. I appreciate your kindness and patience

[@chenyucheng7110]

​@@MarcoOsioViolinmaker Thank you for your sharing! but I'd like to confirm once again and raise a small question: Is the ratio 10:1 for alcohol and resin, or is it for alcohol and transparent varnish?

[@SureshG-mu4ep]

Before varnishing ( available in the market) Violin should be scrubed with zero amery paper? Coulored Varish is available in the market?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thanks for your questions! Check out my latest video on how I prepare the violin before varnishing. As for colored varnish, yes, it is available on the market, but many luthiers, including myself, prefer to prepare and mix our own pigments and dyes to achieve a more personalized and unique result.

[@jonatasestevan124]

Olá Marco Qual foi o pigmento que você usou?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Great question! I primarily use natural dyes such as turmeric, gamboge (gum gutta), dragon's blood, sandalwood, and ratanhia. All these colors are alcohol-extracted to ensure the best quality and adherence to the traditional methods of violin varnishing. Thanks for your interest in the details of my craft!

[@jonatasestevan124]

@@MarcoOsioViolinmaker muito bonita essa cor vermelha, eu quero extrair da raiz de robbia, parabéns pelo trabalho muito bonito, se puder fale mais Muito obrigado

[@gesu1742]

Por que nao se esforça em perguntar numa lingua que ele fale? Fazê-lo usar google translate sendo que você no mínimo deveria estar usando, ja' que faz perguntas. @@jonatasestevan124

[@riccardo-964]

does the intensity and strength of each stroke affect the final sound?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

In my opinion, what really influences the sound is the thickness of the varnish. A coat that's too thick can dampen the violin's sound, while an overly thin layer might not only make the sound louder, but also somewhat coarse. The key is finding the right balance to enhance the natural qualities of the instrument.

[@Metalpazallteway]

​@@MarcoOsioViolinmakerDo you check and play the violin as you're adding coats?

[@hartmutlindemann9735]

Over the years, I forgot what a nice piece the Suk Serenade in the background is.

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

It's wonderful to hear that the video helped you reconnect with Suk's Serenade! It's a piece that I find complements the artistry of violin making perfectly. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@hartmutlindemann9735]

Yes, thank you for putting it on. This piece continues the line of the great Serenades such as the Dvorak, Tschaikovski and Elgar in a worthy way. It's mood is so utterly positive! @@MarcoOsioViolinmaker

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Yes I am using casein glue before the varnish. You can see the glue fixing process in my video kzbin.info/www/bejne/rKfUZnl3qceVnassi=FbArZCgcalMu_j0n

[@maxheadroom1506]

ok but you did not show or tell us what you used to prepare the wood, and what this alcohol varnish is? There are many wood varnishes but who knows what is used on a violin. I doubt it is polyurathane. And what was the stain? Shellac???

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you for your insightful comments. They've given me great ideas for future videos, where I can delve into specific details like wood preparation and the various materials used in the process. To answer one of your questions, you're right - it's definitely not polyurethane. In violin making, we typically use more traditional, often natural, varnishes. I'll make sure to cover these topics in more depth in upcoming videos. Stay tuned and thanks again for your curiosity and suggestions!

[@dedesurjana53]

Gak ada terjemahannya ke bahasa indonesian.😊

[@s.o.s44]

Questa verniciatura è ad olio e non ad alcool come dici

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Capisco il tuo dubbio ma questa verniciatura è effettivamente a base di alcol. La finitura liscia deriva dalla tecnica di applicazione, non dal tipo di vernice. Padroneggiare la tecnica può far sembrare una vernice ad alcol liscia come una vernice ad olio. Grazie per il tuo commento!

[@sampaththallaramba6400]

No explain 😢😢😢😢😢

[@belmarmom]

Why didn't you explain exactly what you were doing and why you were doing it?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Great point, thanks for bringing it up! I wanted to let the visuals speak in this video, but it sounds like there's interest in a deeper dive. I'm saving those explanations for future videos - guess you'll have to subscribe and see! Appreciate your curiosity and engagement.

[@mdhadliner24]

🥱😴

[@gdpjm]

I gave you five minutes and two seconds, that’s it.

[@dumitrustavila2760]

Это песня а не работа!!!

[@joehalas378]

You said you were showing us how to varnish a violin. All you did was so us brush stokes. There is nothing here on how to. Where is the UV of the wood. The sealing of the wood. The mixing of the different varnishes. Anyone can show a finished product.

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thank you for your feedback. While this video focused primarily on the application technique, I agree that the preparation of the wood, the UV treatment, and the mixing of varnishes are all critical elements. The application technique, however, is what I believe truly distinguishes a masterful finish-it's more about how the varnish is applied than just what is used. Each stroke is deliberate and precise, contributing significantly to the final result. I appreciate your perspective and will consider highlighting more of the process in future videos to provide a more comprehensive view!

[@wmcrash]

So that fingerboard just couldn't wait until the varnishing was complete?

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

I actually prefer to glue the fingerboard slightly before completing the varnishing. This approach helps avoid potential wood swelling from the glue, which could necessitate reworking the neck's finish if done after varnishing. It ensures a smooth and flawless finish before the final varnish.

[@mkdijkstra4855]

How is this possible??? Varnishing with alchohol varnish while it looks like oil??? No brush strokes whatsoever....nice , i want this varnish recipe.....😁

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

Thanks for the compliment! Indeed, it may look like oil because of the smooth finish, but the secret isn't just in the varnish recipe-it's all about the technique of application. Mastery in applying the varnish can make all the difference. Glad you liked it!

[@mkdijkstra4855]

i do recognise something at 1:04,,, and i do not want to reveal something.... but i almost certain in what exactly you apply to threathen the wood... something my father also applied in the past

[@MarcoOsioViolinmaker]

It’s casein