French polish = ground-in dirt?
Hello all: what's your opinion/experience on French Polishing on varnish? When I bought my violin 9 years ago I inexperiencely asked my luthier to put French Polish over the varnish which I think has been attracting thin layers of oil/varnish cleaner/polish... Will not do this again to my next violin but is this common with FP?
Replies (3)
As Luis Claudio Manfio says French polishing is generally avoided these days. The main reason for this is that it spoils the character of the original varnish resulting if done as hstorically it has been many times to many instuments over the years... in a thick patent leather shine that often overwhealms what was a far more delicate and subtle effect on some wonderful old instruments.
Proper French polshing done with the correct method and ingredents however should not and will not not attract dirt.
And don`t use cleaners or polishers also, just a soft rag after playing, the best violin/cleaner is that one the player NEVER USES.
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October 12, 2009 at 11:16 PM ·
Yes, never ask to have your violin being French polished again, it`s not good for violins.
As a matter of fact it`s considered almost as crime by many experts today.
www.manfio.com