Violin Varnish Ltd.
Balsam Ground Application
Using the Balsam Ground System
A series of applications infuses the wood with the products of aging. The successive applications combine with the wood and catalyze one another. This hardens and stabilizes the wood. The final coating is Balsam Ground Varnish which also acts to harden the previous applications. Since the Balsam Ground Varnish is a linseed oil varnish it also adds protection and polishability.
First
Before applying the First Wood Preparation, throughly wet the surface with alcohol. (This is more important with the spruce than the maple.)
Brush on the First Solution and allow it to absorb. Repeat this process one or more times until the color develops. (For less contrast in the wood’s coloring apply alcohol alternating with the First Solution).
Second
Put a container of the Second Wood Preparation in a dish of hot water to reduce viscosity. Apply Second Wood Preparation to the entire instrument. Allow this coating to sit on the instrument about one hour. Then, brush the surface with alcohol and, using a cloth dampened in alcohol, rub off and rub in the Second Wood Preparation. Repeat this process at least once more. Allow the surface to dry, then buff with a soft cloth.
Third
Put a container of Third Wood Proparation in a dish of hot water to reduce the viscosity. Apply the Third Wood Preparation to the entire instrument. Allow this coating to sit on the wood about one hour. Then brush the surface with turpentineand, using a soft cloth dampened with turpentine, rub off (and rub in) the Third Wood Preparation Repeat this process once more. Allow the surface to dry, then buff with a soft cloth.
Fourth
Apply Fourth Wood Preparation to entire instrument. Allow this coating to sit on the surface about one hour. Then brush the surface with turpentine and, using a cloth dampened with turpentine, rub off (and rub in) the Fourth Wood Preparation
Balsam Ground Varnish
Thin Balsam Ground Varnish with turpentine. (2 parts turpentine to 1 part varnish). Brush on to entire instrument. Allow varnish to absorb about 10 minutes. Brush enire instrument a second time. Allow to dry. Buff.
Basic Instructions