Matching the old varnish on B James rods.

[The Tuesday Swim]

I'm just in the process of replacing a ring on my B James Avon. I generally use yacht varnish diluted but it tends to come out a little too glossy, any tricks or hints to blend it in to the older original B James varnish?

[Haydn Clarke]

You could try waxing down the new varnish with 0000 wire wool and wax. This should take the shine down a fair bit. If it's still too glossy try dry 0000 wire wool instead then wax and buff.

[CrayCane]

An alternative is to use a fine abrasive like rottenstone http://www.axminster.co.uk/liberon-libe ... prod23152/

Pete

[SeanM]

I've used toothpaste in the past and it works quite well. I think this was suggested by someone on Pure Piscator at some point. Ronseal silk finish exterior varnish works well as it is slightly darker than yacht varnish.

[Ryeman]

When I made musical instruments I always rubbed oil varnish down with Tripoli powder mixed into a paste with 3 in 1 oil, applied with a cloth. This changes the high gloss to a lovely subtle sheen. Works best if you let the final coat of varnish go really hard first.
I think Tripoli powder (which is a very fine abrasive) is similar to Rottenstone, already recommended here.
I like the idea of toothpaste!

Alan