Learning Finishing?

wow, you got me! i'd contact folks who repair instruments for a living. there's a group of folks in hawaii who custom make strings, i bet they'd know how to repair a finish. i bet the veneer is ULTRA thin.

For veneer questions I would refer you to LJ Shipwright.

I can't help but I would think that repair is repair. Basically you want to match the original finish right? Bob Flexner is a furniture refinisher and has written a few books and lots of articles over the years. There is a guy named Charles Neil that hangs out on this forum, I'm not too familiar with him but he has a book on finishing and people say he is an expert.

Full disclosure - I have zero experience with violin finishes, or any other instrument.

For finishing in general, Bob Flexner is the guru. However, I recently purchased this book by someone I just learned about, and it is a really valuable resource. Really great book with detailed steps and beautiful photos.

Also, and again without experience I can't vouch for it, but this kit from Mohawk finishings might, or might not, be of value.

THanks for the replies. I'll check out your suggestions and see how things go. Proper luthiers don't seem to like putting their secrets out there, but there's at least one guitar guy who has some useful videos.

BI (before the internet) I dealt with a paint store that dealt with matching stains for professionals. They had a large selection of Mohawk product, but you needed to ask a person to help explain it to you. Now with the age of the internet-You Tube- this is a great source to learn. Here is a link to Mohawk-Check out their training information, for you may purchase "a kit", get the "stuff" and now what do I do. Trust me on this I've been there http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/

Dave,

If you want to learn about repairs to wood finishes and patching veneer, I suggest you go to the web site: thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or his Youtube channel that can be found by searching for Thomas Johnson.
He details his repair work on antiques, with many veneer repairs. Great site and YT channel.

This may help
https://www.violins.ca/varnish/violin_varnish.html

and this

https://www.violins.ca/varnish/violin_varnish_recipes.html

Dave,

If you want to learn about repairs to wood finishes and patching veneer, I suggest you go to the web site: thomasjohnsonrestoration.com, or his Youtube channel that can be found by searching for Thomas Johnson.
He details his repair work on antiques, with many veneer repairs. Great site and YT channel.

- Oldtool

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I remember when you first recommended that channel to me. I've been binge watching him. Great stuff.