Bow varnish
JOHA® Bow Varnish for String Instrument Bows
JOHA® Bow Varnish was developed for varnishing high-quality string instrument bows and is based on traditional formulas. This spirit varnish consists of selected natural resins dissolved in alcohol and gives the wood a warm, clear finish that beautifully highlights its natural structure.
As an alternative to modern synthetic resin varnishes, JOHA® Bow Varnish is particularly suitable for traditional bow making and the restoration of historical bows. The varnish forms a hard, flexible protective layer and allows finishes ranging from satin gloss to high gloss, depending on the application method.
Due to its fast drying time, Bow Varnish is particularly suitable for experienced bow makers and restorers. Its proven composition combines wood protection with an attractive surface appearance while preserving the characteristic look of traditional string instrument bows.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.
JOHA® Bow Varnish – Traditional Spirit Varnish for Bow Making The JOHA® Bow Varnish is an excellent choice for instrument makers who value authentic materials and traditional craftsmanship. It offers a high-quality alternative to modern synthetic resins and is especially suitable for finishing string bows in the historical style. Features and Benefits Spirit-based: This varnish is made from high-grade natural resins dissolved in alcohol, resulting in a clear, warm surface effect that beautifully enhances the wood’s natural grain. Traditionally proven: The formula follows historic recipes that have been used in bow making for centuries – ideal for restorers and enthusiasts of traditional lutherie. Fine finish: The varnish forms a hard yet elastic surface, offering both protection and tonal transparency. Adjustable sheen: Depending on the number and technique of layers applied, the sheen ranges from satin to high gloss. Application Instructions This varnish is fast-drying, requiring confident and efficient handling. Best applied using a brush or pad in several thin coats. Light intermediate sanding with fine abrasive fleece ensures an even and smooth surface. For best results, work in a dust-free environment with stable room temperature. Who is it suitable for? Experienced users: Due to its quick drying time, this varnish is not recommended for beginners. Ideal for restorers and professional bow makers with experience using spirit varnishes. Technical Details Base: Alcohol (spirit), natural resins Drying time: touch-dry in minutes, fully cured after several hours Sheen level: from satin to high gloss, depending on layering and application technique Working temperature: ideally between 18–25 °C (64–77 °F) Tool cleaning: with ethanol or spirit Tip: If you are new to spirit varnishes, we recommend practicing on a test piece first to get used to the drying behavior and application method.