Varnish problem

[Cary Fagan]

on the neck of my new (three or four month-old) mandolin (oil varnished and french polished, I believe) the finish has come off in two small place (the larger, under where my thumb rests, has the bit of varnished sort of pushed off and doubled over. It's getting bigger.)

I do plan to contact the builder, but he's too far (and in another country) to send it to. I'd like any advice on short term solutions (so it won't continue) and longer term. I attach a photo (sorry for the quality). Thanks very much.

[Ron C]

Cary,
it looks like the finish is still green and really never did cure right. There could be several things going on here with the finish not being compatable with the stain and or the sealer. The builder should be notified

[F5G WIZ]

I have a new mandolin with the same finish, varnish and french polished, never seen anything like that. Yeah take the time to send it back he might have mixed a bad batch of varnish. If so you will have more problems down the road most likely.

[Big Joe]

It can also be from a scratch or from moistuer getting on the neck that seeped under the varnish. It is really hard to tell from the photos. It is an odd tear though and not typical of varnish. It appears to be an adhesion problem. It can be from when it was built, but could be from some later incident. It certainly is not typical wear.

[Cary Fagan]

Thanks for the thoughts. I think the neck got nicked by something and the varnish is still soft. there is no problem anywhere else on the instrument, no wear from my arm or on the back, no crazing. It is the Passernig. I've been in contact with Stefan who was rather shocked to see it, especially as he has done tests with the varnish and hasn't had any chipping.

I could have had it touched up but have decided to solve the problem by doing something I wanted to do anyway--have the varnish removed from the neck. I like the feel much better. Will let you know how it turns out. I should add that otherwise I continue to be thrilled by the mandolin.

[Big Joe]

Good choice. That will make it play easier and end the issue with the varnish.

[Cary Fagan]

Thanks for the reassurance, Big Joe. Well the mando is back and I'm extremely pleased. Plays like a dream and I think it looks good to. Now it's truly everything I want in a mando. Here's a photo.

[Jerry Byers]

Looks good. Was the wood finished with something? Or, are we looking at the bare wood?

[Cary Fagan]

I believe they rub some kind of oil in. I should find out. It was done by George Heinl Co., a Toronto (Canada) specialist in sales and repairs of violin family instruments.

[Stephen Perry]

We use instant coffee for stain and mineral oil in a green kitchen pad for the final polish.

[tnpathfinder]

Jerry are you thinking what I'm thinkin? Maybe that is the solution to "sluggish neck syndrome" Ha!
I wonder if it would get sticky in 90s with high humidity?

[Jerry Byers]

I'm thinking about it. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/blues.gif

[thunderhawk]

If it were truely a French Polish you should not get chipping. I would use 1000 grain sand paper...then have someone put on a French Polish by hand......thats the beauty of french polishing and hide glue...give luthiers the ability to fix anything and restore the finish. http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/biggrin.gif