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