Above is the unfinished side; below, carefully sanded, stained and varnished with (6) coats of instrument oil varnish brushed on:
...A second example with the unfinished side above and the opposite side below. The wood must really be seen to appreciate how the eye is attracted to the finished result.
...The photos below show the preparation process used, step by step. (any wood project can be greatly enhanced by preparing the wood surface in this way, before varnishing.)
The surface to be finished...
The first step is to make the surface flat, which in this instance was done with a belt sander and # 80 sandpaper.
Next, determine which way the grain runs by running your finger tips in both directions with the grain, the direction with the least drag is the direction we want to sand in... mark this on both sides of wood.
We will sand in only the one direction with finer and finer sandpapers on a foam block by hand:
#100,150,220,280,320,400 and then 600, dusting surface between each paper grade.
...Next, I continue the sanding process with "Micro-Mesh" flexible backing silicone carbide paper series, going from # 1,500 to # 12,000 in nine steps. (see www.micromesh.com ) Available through International Violin Co. (www.internationalviolin.com):
I blow the surface clean with high pressure air (also down-grain only) and then apply permanent water stain to color surface. ( These are purchased from instrument supply houses such as www.internationviolin.com ) I brush these on with a soft cotton cloth, again only going in the one direction, with the grain.
The sand paper is wrapped around a firm foam block.
This type of paper is used in grades 220,280, and 320.
Sand only in one direction, with the grain direction.
Wipe surface clean before using the next finer grade paper.
Next # 400 & 600 Silicone Carbide wet dry paper...
Notice the shine on the surface, after # 12,000 step.
Page V_13
(Modified 8/2017)