Homemade Varnish

[Joe S]

Just out of curiosity, does anyone make their own varnish anymore? 

Period correct varnish used to be a fairly regular topic of conversation on ALR, but it seems like modern urethane based varnishes, or perhaps a commercial oil based varnish of unknown composition are what people use these days.

[Stophel]

I do... or I did.  I haven't in a long while.  Eventually, when I get my shop going again, I'll make up some more.

[bob in the woods]

I do. But it's not a job for the winter, since I do it outside. A long time ago, Eric Kettenburg wrote an article on period finishes , and I use the recipe for what I believe was called a brown oil varnish. Heat it up in a "sand bath" 

[WadePatton]

Don't know if you've looked but there's a ton of that discussion on here from the past.  Dan has several entries, I glanced at a few search results last night.  I knew I'd read about it before.  Seems 2009-11 ish. 

[Joe S]

Thanks Wade. I'm well aware of the older discussions. Historical finishes were a popular topic for a while, but it seems like a very long time since anyone mentioned it, so that's why I was asking.

I still have some of a batch that I made in 2009 that I'm keeping for a shelf life study. I use a little bit every year, and so far it seems to be fine.

[Mark Elliott]

I haven't made violin varnish in a long time.   It is the proper finish on a lot of later rifles, but frankly,  it is just too much trouble.   I had rather use an oil finish.   An oil finish will keep, a spirit varnish will not.

[Tim Crosby]

 Used to use a lot of Shellac and French polish but there are easier (especially the French polish) and more durable finishes available commercially. Although I did like the finished look, especially with built up coats, rubbed back inbetween. The Ebony flakes gave a nice color, it was easy to touch up though if need be. Also used them over Lockwood water stain (More work) and it finished up nice. its been awhile, might try some again.

  Tim C.
 

[Stophel]

Last I made, I cheated.  I got some Tried and True "Varnish Oil", which is too soft as-is, and I dissolved a bunch of rosin in some turpentine (don't ask me how much), and then dumped it into the oil.  It's not super fast drying, but by golly, it's simple, and it seems to work really well.

[mountainman70]

I use a brew made of equal parts spar varnish,not urethane, japan drier,and I used to use turpentine, but the fumes wore me out, so I tried TRPS,turpentine replacement,and it works well.
I usually only mix a small batch at a time for one rifle,as the stuff sets up quick. I have found a teaspoon of each in a small jar is good to begin. If I need more,and usually do, I just make it up as needed.
Have a goodun,fellers. Dave f

[dogcatcher]

A real interesting discussion on this link http://forum.woodenboat.com/showthread.php?215717-Homemade-Varnish-Recipe

One formula supposedly over 150 years old.  It is post number 8, definitely an eye opening read. 

[Mike Lyons]

I used the madder root pigment on my last rifle.  It was just a matter of mulling it into your varnish.

[SingleMalt]

I made some several years ago by cooking boiled linseed oil and adding white lead powder, allowing it to simmer for about an hour.  I cut it a bit with mineral spirits.  When exposed to sunlight, it dried well.  I'm of the opinion that Tru Oil is very similar and definitely cheaper.