JOHA® Volatile Oil Varnish is a premium alcohol-based volatile oil varnish specially developed for finishing high-quality string instruments. Based on a traditional recipe, it is made from pure, very high-quality natural resins. The addition of selected volatile oils gives the varnish excellent elasticity after drying, enhances the instrument’s tonal quality, and creates a deep, radiant appearance. Compared to spirit varnishes, this varnish is somewhat easier to apply but requires significantly more drying time. Its tonal and visual properties make it particularly suitable for demanding restoration and new construction in fine instrument making. Properties: Made from pure, very high-quality natural resins and volatile oils Slightly longer open time than Spirit Varnish Ia – therefore easy to work with Elastic and durable after drying Excellent tonal properties – ideal for high-end instruments Application Note: JOHA® Volatile Oil Varnish is intended for experienced varnishers and instrument makers who value a visually refined and acoustically enhancing finish. Application is less demanding than with spirit varnishes, but due attention is required due to the slightly longer drying time. Recommended Use: Ideal for varnishing and restoring high-quality string instruments, especially within a traditional multi-layered varnish system. Note on Varnish Structure: For best results, a classic three-layer system is recommended: Ground varnish – Color varnish – Coating. Ground varnish: Applied directly to the wood for excellent adhesion. Hardest layer in the system. Color varnish: Applied over the ground varnish, can be clear or tinted. Slightly softer. Coating: Final layer, softest in the system, provides depth and surface gloss. Drying Times: Drying time depends on ambient temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Under optimal conditions (approx. 18 °C / 64 °F and 55% relative humidity), one coat dries in approximately 1 to 7 days. Thicker applications may require extended drying times. Use the thumb test to check dryness: if no fingerprint remains when gently pressing the surface, the layer is dry.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Volatile oil varnish This varnish, made from pure natural resins, contains amongst its other ingredients various essential oils. This allows for a good elasticity after drying. The pure sound of the instrument is supported with this varnish, as is a radiant appearance. It is somewhat easier to use than spirit varnish, but requires a little more time to dry. This varnish is based on alcoholand volatile oils.

Special thinner for our Volatile oil varnish

JOHA® Italian Oil Varnish is a high-quality oil varnish based on alcohol, crafted according to traditional Italian recipes. The solvent mixture consists mainly of essential oils and natural balsams, resulting in a soft varnish that retains its flexibility even after drying. The combination of elastic resins and essential oils forms a homogeneous, non-brittle varnish layer with excellent acoustic resonance and a rich, deep gloss finish. The varnish enhances the instrument's tonal response through its natural elasticity and gives the surface a visually appealing depth and character. Due to its soft resin components, the varnish requires a long drying time and may remain pressure-sensitive when exposed to heat – a typical feature of authentic Italian-style oil varnishes. Properties Based on historical Italian varnish formulations Solvents: primarily essential oils and natural balsams Elastic, soft varnish layer – no brittleness after drying Excellent resonance and smooth tonal response Warm, deep gloss appearance with natural brilliance May remain pressure-sensitive when warm due to soft resins Application Note JOHA® Italian Oil Varnish is intended for experienced varnishers and instrument makers who seek a traditional, tone-enhancing, and visually refined finish. Application requires patience, precision, and well-controlled environmental conditions regarding temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Rapid drying should be avoided. Recommended Use Recommended for the finishing and restoration of high-quality string instruments. Ideal for classical multi-layer varnish systems with thin, evenly applied coats. Varnish Structure For optimal results, a traditional three-layer system is recommended: Primer varnish – Applied directly to the wood, very hard and adhesive Color varnish – Colored or clear, of medium hardness, used for tonal and visual character Coating varnish – Particularly soft, adds gloss, depth, and protection Drying Time Drying depends on ambient temperature, humidity, and air circulation. Under optimal conditions (approx. 18–22 °C, dry air, consistent airflow), the surface requires several days to several weeks to fully dry. Due to its soft resin content, the varnish may remain pressure-sensitive under warm conditions – a deliberate trait of traditional Italian oil varnishes.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

JOHA ® Italian Oil varnish is a varnish based on an old Italian recipe. As a solvent, mainly essential oils and balms were used that yield a soft lacquer, which does not lose its suppleness after drying. The combination of soft elastic resins and essential oils as a solvent gives an excellent varnish. The composition was chosen so that after the solvent evaporates the resins do not become brittle, but for an even elastic lacquer. The JOHA ® Italian oil varnish through its elasticity is a tool which gives a very good vibrancy, soft tone resonance and a nice appearance. JOHA ® Italian oil varnish takes a long time to dry and can be pressure-sensitive in heat due to the soft resins. Previous experience: Advanced We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly and, which makes it more difficult to apply.

Special thinner for our Italian oil varnish