Making colophony from pine for varnish

[Bencuri]

I would like to make home made varnish, and one ingredient is colophony, that is a processed form of resin collected from pine trees. Does anyone know what is the exact procedure to make it? I read that you need to boil the resin for a while to make it become colophony. But at what temperature and for how long? Does anyone have information about it? I want to make it from Pinus Negra resin.

[Rob Young]

I would like to make home made varnish, and one ingredient is colophony, that is a processed form of resin collected from pine trees. Does anyone know what is the exact procedure to make it? I read that you need to boil the resin for a while to make it become colophony. But at what temperature and for how long? Does anyone have information about it? I want to make it from Pinus Negra resin.

Doubtless there are grades and types of colophony since it is a catch-all term.

But why no start with a block of rosin used for violin bows. Relatively inexpensive, should be available from a good music store near you. Since some contain additives to alter the "grip" on the strings, maybe look for something with "pure" or "no additives" or "wax free" in the product description. It is suggested in this article about making varnish for a violin. https://www.ruschilandbailly.com/blog/ma...in-varnish

Lots of hits when searching for "make violin rosin". Here's just one : https://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to...olin-rosin

Involves boiling a mixture of pitch and turpentine. This is potentially dangerous in several ways. Take appropriate cautions.

Or you can buy it : https://www.amazon.com/Colophony-Resin-L...B00B0DBZW8 among other sources.

Another place to look for varnish recopies would be tin-type and ambrotype photography how-to sites and books. When I was more serious about photography and took a couple such workshops, we made our varnish but started with pre-made light colored colophony. Had a splash of lavender oil mixed in to alter surface tension. Also made it smell great!