Viola da gamba making | Part 16 – varnishing

In today’s part of the viola da gamba making series I’m varnishing the whole instrument. I begin with one coat of ground followed by 3 layers of colored soft oil varnish. After the second layer the viol is wet sanded with high grit sandpaper. I finish it with one layer of harder transparent amber varnish. After varnishing the viol is polished with wax paste to achieve a smooth, shining finish.