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.

Joha® Dilution for Italian Oil Varnish Perfect viscosity for a flawless finish This specially formulated dilution is precisely matched to the Italian oil varnish by Joha®. It contains all the essential oils and balsams used in the varnish itself – ensuring full compatibility and smooth drying behavior. Features: Contains all essential oils and balsams of the Italian oil varnish Adjusts the viscosity of the varnish Supports even and consistent drying Evaporates without leaving residue Also suitable for cleaning varnishing tools Application: Adjust the varnish drop by drop to the desired consistency using the dilution. Use only in well-ventilated areas. Note: To be used exclusively with Joha® Italian oil varnish. Compatibility with other varnishes cannot be guaranteed.