I have a boxwood flute with varnish on it
to which I’m allergic.
Well, I know people make liplates of silver,
also paint on crazy glue.
But what about simply a strip or two
of transparent tape–would that be
just as effective?
I would think it would work, but it might scar the finish if you ever wanted to remove it. Of course, if you’re allergic to the finish, that may not be as much of a concern.
I bet there are some makers on the boards and / or the woodenflute list who would refinish it for you for a very modest fee–that might be another possibility.
–James
There are some very tough self stick plastic films used to protect all sorts of things. Does anyone know where a bit may be obtained ?
Just for the record, I don’t
beleive boxwood needs finish.
I have a lovely CB boxwood
flute without, and it
does fine.
Electrical tape will work great for this, and it comes off without damaging the flute. I doubt they make it in clear, but I think they make it in white as well as black…white would look pretty good if you have ivory/faux ivory rings.
Eric
Jim, my Olwell too came with a shiny varnish. I washed it with a very light pumice hand powder. This took the shine off, dulling it a bit, and since then it has taken on a lovely oiled patina. I like the plain oiled wood and not the furniture like sheen.
But tape won’t hurt it either.
Me too. Thanks everybody.
Can’t you ask the maker what varnish he uses and just use the appropriate solvent, Jim ?
Good idea. Or ask him to take it off.
Or go for it myself with Davids’ pumice.
How about fine steel wool?
No more Mr. Nice Guy!
Accetone removes just about any finish you’re likely to encounter.
Fire works too, and sand blasting.
I’ve also found that the detonation of a small Thermonuclear Device, removes finishes quite nicely as well.
Have fun Jim,
Loren
Loren, cool avatar!
I love Calvin & Hobbes…, so of course, Spaceman Spiff is a sort of personal hero. 
Also I used to love the Snowman Gallery of Gruesome Death every winter. 
–James
Well, here’s a fine predicament!
I, too, have a varnished boxwood flute, and the varnish had started to get a bit tacky, so this morning I went ahead and steel-wooled it off in strategic locations.
Guess what?
Now I am feeling tingling in my lips! I can’t believe it. 
Mary
Mary, have you been playing the flute much?
Before you took off the varnish.
I wonder if this stuff gets us through
our finger?
Anybody know?
That’s now three of us
who react allegically to the varnish,
I think that’s it, on Olwell boxwood
flutes.
There is probably still some varnish in the surface,Dix.
Best to use some solvent, if only meths in case it is shellac or the like.
Cant someone ask dear Mr Olwell ? He should be able to remember what he uses.
I think it’s partly linseed oil.
Is there a need to protect
boxwood with varnish?
Seems like not a good idea.
That makes sense, Andrew, and I probably stirred it up in partially removing it. I think I’ll try some acetone, as Loren recommends, since I have some around here somewhere…
M
Yeah, IMO abrasives really aren’t the way to go, unless you plan on taking the entire instrument down to the bare wood - steel wooling alone won’t necessarily remove all the irritants.
Loren
Well, you’re lip isn’t going to itch or react from finger contact, unless you are rubbing your fingers under your lip during/after play.
Loren
Yeah, all good stuff. Sort of dates us though, doesn’t it
Loren
No, but I think there may be a need to protect us from all the questions you ask! 
Loren