
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Silky – The Matte Alternative to the Classic
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Silky is a high-quality varnish based on our proven JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia, retaining its excellent characteristics in application, drying, and sound transmission. By adding selected matting components, it achieves an elegant silky surface with subtle depth and a refined, low-gloss appearance.
The varnish dries quickly, remains elastic, and forms a durable, tone-friendly coating. It is ideal for the traditional multi-layer build-up in instrument making – including silky primer, color varnish, and Coating. The matte finish enhances the instrument’s natural character and gives it a refined, artisan-crafted look.

JOHA® Spirit Varnish Silky is a high-quality, traditional varnish with a silky finish that gives the instrument an elegant, subtle surface. It is based on our proven JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia and shares its excellent handling properties. By adding selected substances, a silky appearance was achieved without compromising elasticity, drying speed, or tonal quality. When applied, the silky varnish behaves just like the Spirit Varnish Ia. After drying, however, a slight greasy layer forms that must be wiped off with a soft cloth before the next coat to ensure optimal adhesion and smoothness of the subsequent layer. Features: Spirit varnish with silky sheen Based on the proven Spirit Varnish Ia Fast drying Elastic, durable film Subtle, elegant appearance Excellent tonal transmission Same application behavior as Spirit Varnish Ia Application Notes: The silky spirit varnish is especially suitable for experienced users, as applying an even silky surface requires greater care. The fast drying calls for quick and confident work. The slight greasy drying layer should always be removed before the next coat. Recommended Use: Ideal for string instruments when an elegant, non-glossy surface is desired – especially for violas, cellos, or historical instruments with a subtle appearance. Note on Varnish Build-Up: Even with silky varnishes, the classic three-layer build-up is recommended: Silky Primer: Applied directly onto the wood for optimal adhesion. Silky Color Varnish: Provides color, either clear or tinted. Silky Coating: Final layer for the characteristic silky look with a soft, deep finish. Drying Times: The drying of the spirit varnish silky generally depends on air temperature and humidity. Optimal conditions are an air temperature of about 18 °C and a relative humidity of around 55 %. The first 1–3 coats usually dry within about 24 hours. Drying time increases with thicker layers. To check drying, press your thumb firmly on the varnished surface. If no thumbprint remains, the varnish is dry. Additional Note: The silky spirit varnish can be mixed with Spirit Varnish Ia to adjust the degree of silkiness — for example, to add a slight sheen. It is recommended to apply all coats in silky finish, since otherwise gloss from lower glossy layers may eventually show through.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Silky has similar properties to our Spirit Varnish IA, as the Spirit varnish Silky is based on it. By including different substances we were able to create a silk matt lacquer. On application, it has the same qualities as the Sprit Varnish IA. After drying, a light oily layer is created, which must be wiped away with a soft cloth before further painting. Previous experience: Advanced. We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.