Varnishes – Protection and Decoration
Once the construction of a string instrument is completed, it is varnished. The varnish primarily serves as protection, while its influence on the instrument’s sound and its aesthetic qualities are also important considerations.
Scientific analyses of old Italian instruments provide valuable insights into the composition of historical varnishes. Then as now, varnishes are most often based on drying oils (such as linseed oil) combined with resins from various conifer trees.
For coloration, pigments are frequently added. Their methods of production have been known for centuries (see Varnish Making).
