Choosing Violin Varnish Paint Color – Why Darker Isn’t Better!

What color violin varnish paint appeals to you the most?

Not everyone has a preference when it comes to bowed instruments, from model to setup (strings, bridge height) to accessories, but most people have a preference when it comes to varnish color.  

欢迎选购艺匠琴坊的弦乐器，您可以点击此链接与我们建立联系！

Varnishes range from gold to brown – why dark colorsnot good?

While we hear from many customers who prefer darker varnishes, we always urge them to consider a lighter varnish, whether it's gold, golden orange or a light reddish brown. Why? Because our instruments – especially the intermediate and professional series (see, for example, our intermediate cellos or professional violins) – cost more, in part because of the use of higher quality wood. The maple has a stronger flame and the spruce on the top is straighter and narrower. Covering these beautiful woods with a dark varnish actuallyhiddenTheir quality belies their beauty. Almost all contemporary high-end instrument makers will refuse to use dark varnishes on their commissioned instruments because they want to showcase their craftsmanship for all to appreciate.

But I still prefer "Blackwood"!

Remember, with rare exceptions, there is no "dark wood" - its color is given by the finish/varnish applied over it. The wood used for violin home instruments is very light, almost white (look inside your instrument and you'll see how light the wood is!), so when you choose a color, choose the varnish, not the wood. If you still prefer "dark wood" (dark varnish), we strongly encourage you to consider a lighter color than usual so we can share with you (and you can share with your viewers) what we use in our studio The beauty of an instrument so carefully created for musicians around the world, just like you :)

Patina – What happens to your instrument’s varnish?

If you've been lucky enough to keep a violin, viola, or cello for decades, you'll see how the varnish softens, changes color, and adds character through the natural antique process. Varnish protects the wood, but over time it takes on a new, richer beauty when exposed to the elements. Even if you take very good care of your instrument, your skin oils can age the varnish on certain parts, removing some of the color that adds character and uniqueness to your instrument. 

欢迎选购艺匠琴坊的弦乐器，您可以点击此链接与我们建立联系！

As always, feel free to contact us and ask us to build multiple instruments side by side so you can choose the one you like. This is part of the process of choosing the perfect violin, viola or cello!