Double Bass Home repair: chip in scroll

[bassDJD]

I'm writing to see if anyone has experience doing a home repair of a chipped scroll. I've attached a photo: it's about a half-inch in width at its widest point. Is there a way to build up the indentation with something, and then stain to match the rest of the finish? Your thoughts on this are most welcome.

 

[BassinCT]

Do you have the wood that chipped off? If not, I don’t have any experience with filling.

For minor touch-ups, I mix up a small batch of shellac and add a blend of TransTint dyes to match the finish. Before using, I set a small amount aside to allow it to thicken slightly, then apply with an artist brush.

When I had something similar happen, it was quite easy to glue the chip in place with hide glue- no touch up needed.

 

[bassDJD]

Unfortunately, I don't have the wood that chipped off. If I can't find a way to build up the indentation, I may just do a touch-up to match the color of the finish. I'm glad to know about shellac and TransTint dyes. I went to their website, and it looks like their products are easy to use. I appreciate your reply, BassinCT!

 

[turf3]

I suspect that anything you use to fill that will end up looking too much like "hey, look here, I'm wood filler!"

For minor chips on my medium-colored bass (similar color to yours) I just use three or four coats of Zinsser Bullseye Amber Shellac. After 3 or 4 coats, it's dark enough you can't notice it.

 

[bassDJD]

Terrific! I see what you mean, turf3. Thanks for that idea... I will look into the Zinsser Bullseye Amber Shellac.

 

[james condino]

You can also use a simple lacquer touch up pen:

Touch-Up Solutions - TouchUP Pen Clear Lacquer Gloss 90 Sheen

 

[bassDJD]

You can also use a simple lacquer touch up pen:

Touch-Up Solutions - TouchUP Pen Clear Lacquer Gloss 90 Sheen

That's cool, James... and, there's a Woodcraft store location near me. Thanks!

 

[notabene]

Some very good sounding basses have ratty appearances.