The first step in the varnishing process is to apply the ground, which seals the wood, accentuates the figure of the wood, and provides a base color for the forthcoming varnish. There are numerous grounds used by different violin makers.
I have spent the last couple of weeks experimenting with various grounds, and have now applied the ground to my violin. Because this is the first time that this specific ground method has been used in the shop, and because the method isn't my own (and thus not mine to share), I hope you will understand if I don't include the details of the method. Nonetheless, here is the finished result -- the first picture is out of the UV box, the subsequent pictures are with the ground applied:
Note how the ground accentuates both the flames in the maple and the scraper marks that I left on the back plate for character:
With the ground applied, it is now time to apply the varnish and assemble the instrument, which will be the subjects of future posts.
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