| Frequently Asked Questions |
Below is a selection of questions that customers have had when using Magister Products. If you have a question that is not answered here or in our Demonstrations, please email us and we will do our best to answer!
|
Help! My varnish is full of dirt! What should I do?
The easiest solution is to avoid the problem in the first place. Start with a clean workspace AND a clean instrument. Make sure dust has settled as much as possible. Don't have a fan blowing across your workspace. Using a leather apron seems to help as well. If, however, you do notice dirt or "pickers" in your varnish after the instrument has been in the light box, it is fixable. Use a soft plastic scraper to remove any large particles. If they are particularly stubborn you may need to use a metal scraper VERY CAREFULLY. Use micromesh (3600-4800 pads) to evenly rub over the instrument. Finally, clean off all debris to prepare for the next coat. Blow out the inside, vacuum the outside, and use a tack cloth to clean the seams.
How much Imprimatura Dorata do I need?
A violin or viola uses about 25-40 ml of primer.
A cello uses about 100-125 ml of primer.
Can Imprimatura Dorata primer be thinned?
Primer may be thinned with a solution of 90% distilled water and 10% alcohol. We have dilluted the primer up to 25% without apparent compromise to the finished appearance. Some makers have gone as far as adding 50% isopropyl alcohol. This will penetrate more and may be best applied when re-varnishing an instrument. Especially useful on cellos.
How much varnish do I need?
One violin takes about 3 grams per coat.
One viola takes about 4 grams per coat.
One cello takes about 10-12 grams per coat.
On average, we apply 3 coats of varnish to an instrument of colored varnish and a light overcoat with clear or less colored varnish. This is applied to attain final "patina and texture". This last coat may even be applied simply as a polishing coat.
Do I need to add anything to the varnish?
The varnish comes with a siccative (dryer) in a seperate plastic bottle. It is recommended you add 2-3% to your varnish. The proper ratio is important to avoid the varnish thickening before you are finished varnishing (especially on cellos). We use only 2% and are still able to use the varnish over 3 hours after mixing it. (We're careful to keep it dust-free, of course!) A drop is always a drop assuming the surface tension is the same, so use a device that comes to a small point (i.e. a toothpick) and allow gravity to pull down a single drop. The siccative does thicken slightly as it gets older and oxidizes, and this will increase the surface tension and make a drop heavier. So err on the side of less if your siccative has thickened. It still functions the same as a dryer. The best choice is to safely dispose of old siccative whenever you order new varnish. Be environmentally friendly! The siccative contains magnesium and cobalt.
1 drop of siccative = .018 grams
1 level teaspoon of varnish = about 3 to 4 grams
Note: The varnish will dry without the siccative, but considerable more time is needed.
How thick should I apply the varnish?
Magister varnish can be applied much thinner than other
brushable varnishes by using a prosthetic foam pad. A thinner coat
results in fewer problems with debris and pickers, and a much nicer
finish. The varnish should NOT be applied so thickly that drips or runs form. If you use the recommended amounts below, you should achieve a
good coat thickness and avoid many of the problems described on this
page.
How much drying time should I have between coats of varnish?
After applying the Imprimatura Dorata, leave in a lightbox for 12-24 hours or in strong sunlight 5 to 7 days.
After applying each coat of mineral ground, leave in a lightbox for one day.
After applying each coat of varnish, alternate* between a lightbox and strong sunlight (or at least in open air) for 1 to 3 days. Thicker coats will take longer to dry. Summer humidity also seems to slow down curing times.
*We recommend about 12 hours in the box, 12 hours out of the light box. This guarantees an even cure of the varnish.
How long does it take to varnish an instrument start to finish?
Allow at least 10 days to varnish an instrument. However, the more patient you are (especially in the beginning), the better cured your instrument will be. If the instrument is not fully cured, you can expect to see imprinting from case. The bridge and chinrest will imprint until the varnish has fully cured (at least several months). However, you can eliminate damage to the varnish by rubbing a thin, even coat of chalk on the feet of the bridge and the cork of the chinrest where contact is made on the instrument.
|
|