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Antiquing, page 5 

 

It's nice to use several sources for your dirt, in order to take advantage of the different look each type of dirt has. On my tops, I will retouch many lines and specks of dirt which is very effective. It's quite useful to have a good photo of an original piece to work from. On a pallet you can mix any color you want, and then turn the top of your fiddle into a canvas. Many of the smallest scratches on an original instrument have been totally covered up by polish, with no indentation on the surface, which is why painting in "dings" and "nicks" can look so correct. I sometimes use an airbrush to spray a light coat of spirit varnish over the "scratch" or "dent" to lock it in place, and prepare the piece for a slight polish.

I have left out so much, but with such a huge topic, I hope you will forgive me. One subject I have omitted on purpose is sealers and/or grounds. I am currently using Imprimatura Dorata, and while it may not be for everyone, and it does have its weaknesses, it's the best thing I have used to this point. 

In copying, one of the simplest concepts is also one of the most difficult to actually do. That is, to copy what you see. ###
                                                                                           Gary Vessel

Gary Vessel is a violin maker who works in Salt Lake City. For pictures of his work follow this link

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