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Matching the old varnish on B James rods.
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:01 pm
by 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?
Re: Matching the old varnish on B James rods.
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:36 pm
by 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.
Re: Matching the old varnish on B James rods.
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 12:42 pm
by CrayCane
An alternative is to use a fine abrasive like rottenstone
http://www.axminster.co.uk/liberon-libe ... prod23152/
Pete
Re: Matching the old varnish on B James rods.
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:07 pm
by 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.
Re: Matching the old varnish on B James rods.
Posted: Fri Jan 04, 2013 1:36 pm
by 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