JOHA® Volatile Oil Varnish – For High-Quality String Instruments
JOHA® Volatile Oil Varnish is a premium alcohol-based oil varnish, specially developed for the finishing and restoration of high-quality string instruments. Made from pure, very high-quality natural resins and enriched with selected volatile oils, it offers excellent elasticity after drying, a refined natural gloss, and outstanding acoustic performance.
Compared to spirit varnishes, it provides a slightly longer open time, allowing for smoother and more controlled application. Drying time varies depending on ambient conditions and layer thickness and typically takes around 1 to 7 days.
Ideal for use in a traditional multi-layer varnish system. Perfect for instrument makers and restorers who value uncompromising quality in both sound and appearance.
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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.