Varnishes/Soundboards

[David Love]

Joe:

What's the reason for putting varathane over the varnish?  Isn't varathane
water based?  Won't that create some bonding problems?  Or do you mean
urethane?

David Love


----- Original Message -----
From: "Joseph Garrett" <joegarrett@earthlink.net>
To: <pianotech@ptg.org>
Sent: January 10, 2002 6:29 PM
Subject: Varnishes/Soundboards


> I have been varnishing sound boards for most of my career. It is my
opinion
> that GOOD, high grade spar varnish, (Not these synthetic atrocities!), add
> something to the wood. (I know Del, don't start.)
> My method is to apply 1-2 coats of high grade, (and I identify it by
> smelling; from my years building/restoring boats), sanding with 150 grit
> between coats. Once I get the color and "fill" I want from the varnish, I
> put 2-3 coats of Varathane, (Professional Grade), sanding between coats
with
> 180, then 220. After the final coat, I rub the well set final coat with
4/0
> steel wool. After which, I apply 2 thin coats of Carnuba wax and buff.
> This whole process, is extremely time intensive, but it does what I want
in
> color and sound. IMHO there is no easy way to accomplish this. The end
> results always please me.
> Regards,
> Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)
>
>