Popote du luthier is a product used primarily for cleaning and refreshing varnishes. In this article, I'll explain what it is, how to make it and, above all, how to use it. My main aim is to raise your awareness and understanding of how to clean your instrument. This is why, even if I give you all the keys to do it yourself, you'll realize that it might be more prudent to entrust the job to an experienced person.
What the luthier's kitchen is for
The popote is one of the emblematic elements of the lutherie workshop. Contrary to popular belief, this mixture is not designed to nourish the varnish. In fact, varnish doesn't need to be nourished... In fact, it simply cleans the instrument's protective layer and removes any dirt that may cover it. It's not just the cleaning effect, but also the abrasive effect of its components, that will restore the shine to the entire surface.
However, you'll still need to use the popote sparingly, as it can have disastrous effects on violins, violas or cellos, if not used correctly.
Warning on the use of the popote
Here are some cases in which I strongly advise against using the mixture described in this article:
- Too regular use. The abrasive power of popote means that every time it is passed over the surface, it removes a layer of varnish, however small. For this reason, there's no question of using it too regularly.
- Cracks and delamination. In addition to weakening animal glue with water(softening it) and ethanol(making it brittle), oil will penetrate cracks and make any future gluing attempt much more difficult.
- Areas where the wood is bare and not coated with varnish. Linseed oil, stripped by solvents, can more easily penetrate deep into the pores of unsealed wood. Unlike solvents, it will not evaporate, but rather add mass deep down. This will impair the instrument's vibration.
As you can see, this product can only be used on instruments that are certain to be perfectly sound. In fact, a simple chamois wipe will ensure that the varnish remains perfectly clean, so you won't have to resort to this type of procedure.
My recipe for a luthier's lunch
Here's my recipe for a luthier's stew, although it's just one of many. With a little research you can find many other concoctions that will undoubtedly work in the same way. You'll need to be careful with these recipes, however, as some will be very aggressive and require great care in use. The one I'm about to present isn't without its risks, but it's relatively safe for both man and instrument.
To begin with, here's a presentation of the ingredients.
The ingredients
Distilled water
Water is a very gentle solvent for violins, and will dissolve many types of dirt. It also softens ethanol, which would be too aggressive if used as is.
However, distilled water is preferable to tap water, as it is much further from the saturated state. Its cleaning power will therefore be greater.
Ethanol
The following recipe calls for pure ethanol(ethyl alcohol), i.e. with an alcohol percentage of over 99%. Avoid using modified alcohol. Alcohol is a very aggressive solvent which will easily dissolve the resins and greases present on the varnish, but it can also dissolve the varnish in an instant.
It is rather difficult to obtain, as its sale is highly regulated.
Turpentine oil
Turpentine is a solvent that will not affect the varnish. It will, however, dissolve any rosin accumulations that are not in an excessively advanced state of oxidation.
Linseed oil
L’huile de lin permet tout d’abord de créer un coussin « lubrifiant » de polissage pour les différents solvants de la solution. En plus, elle permet de remplir les griffures microscopiques qui recouvrent le vernis et lui confèrent un aspect mat. De cette façon, la surface paraîtra plus brillante et uniforme.
Le choix de l’huile de lin est primordial. Pour les plus puristes, il faudrait la laver et la travailler pour lui donner la consistance nécessaire. Mais de manière générale, il faudrait faire attention à la qualité de l’huile de lin et préférer une version « bouillie » qui lui conférera un séchage plus rapide.
Lavender aspic essential oil
In addition to its ability to dissolve, lavender essential oil also adds a light fragrance to the mixture. Even if it's only a few drops, it's very powerful.
Mixing the ingredients
It is essential to respect the order in which the different components of the recipe are mixed. It is essential to respect this order to avoid miscibility conflicts.
- First mix 1 part distilled water with 1 part ethanol.
- Then add 2 parts turpentine.
- Extend with just under 2 parts linseed oil.
- Finally, add a few drops of lavender essential oil.
Quantities are expressed in parts - there are in fact 6 parts - so you'll just need to do some basic math to work out how much you'll need. Bear in mind that if you don't clean instruments on a daily basis, a 50 ml bottle could last you decades (less if you use it on a double bass).
Storage tips
The best way to store your popote is in a tightly sealed bottle, away from sunlight and heat. You should also remember to reseal the cap of the container, even during use, to prevent the various solvents from evaporating. This ensures maximum efficiency!
Using the luthier's cooking pot
Pops must be applied with great care. Here's the basic method:
- Start by shaking the bottle vigorously to create an emulsion.
- Then apply a small amount to a clean, soft cloth.
- Rub the varnish with brisk movements, limiting yourself to a small area. Depending on the degree of soiling, you may need to return to this area. In addition, the cloth will gradually fill up with impurities and you'll need to move the rubbing area to maintain optimum efficiency.
- Use as much elbow grease as possible to dry the pan completely, leaving no greasy residue.
- Finally, allow the surface to dry as long as possible. The aim is to polymerize the tiny amount of linseed oil remaining, and allow any residual solvent to evaporate. The surface must not be allowed to remain greasy, otherwise it will accumulate dust even more quickly.
