Varnish on soundboards

[Joseph Garrett]

Thumper, et al
I've been Varnishing Soundboards for 30 years. I have a process that I feel
gives me the nicest looking/sounding board. It consists of 1to 3 coats of
Spar Varnish, (The best I can find...cost be damned). Sanded between coats.
This I believe, saturates the board with the natural resins of true varnish,
which is wood based. It also imparts a "lustre" to the wood, that, IMO
cannot be achieved with anything else. Over that varnish, I apply 1 to 4
coats of Varathane "Professional" varnish, which is more "elastic" and more
forgiving, in application. If the board requires a decal, I apply it after
the first coat of Varathane and coat over it with the next coats of
Varathane. Yes, it's a whole more work than Lacquer, but I like the look and
the sound. As for being unable to "rub out" varnish....NOT in my experience!
It's all in knowing how. Just a few tidbits FYI.
Best Regards,
Joe Garrett, RPT, (Oregon)

Been There, Didn't Like It, So I'm Here To Stay! [G}