How do you refinish a violin?

Answer 1

You really should not do this.

Instead take it to a violin repair person and get their opinion if the instrument's value will go down if you refinish it yourself.

If they tell you it is a low value then go ahead and do it. The odds are you have a factory made violin that was mass-produced and is low quality. But there is always the chance that it might be a better quality instrument that has fallen into disrepair and refinishing it would kill the chance of selling it for what it is worth.

Hope that this helps.

Answer 2

The varnish on the violin definitely gives the wood shine, depending on the type of wood and varnish of course. Applying additional polish and keeping it clean also keeps it shiny.