Varnish issues...

Kremer Pigments: "The search for the right finish occupies woodworkers for many reasons. Historical authenticity as well as beauty and function motivate the use of classical techniques. Longevity, optical qualities, sound and handling are a few of the criteria used when looking for the right ground and varnish for musical instruments, and many furniture makers are guided by the same considerations. For many years scientists have been examining the varnish layers on violins from the time of Stradivarius and Guarneri. It appears that there is a layer of mineral matter just below the actual varnish, which is close to a mixture of materials bound with potassium silicate that has been pioneered by David Rubio. The mixture consists of calcium lactate, alum, manganese sulphate, titanium dioxide, yellow iron oxide and mica, which corresponds roughly to the spectrum analysis of historical instruments. Working from the original 16th and 17th century recipes and using only historical technology, Donald Fels has developed a line of mediums and varnishes that yield the optical effects and handling qualities of the gem-like amber. "