Official Luthiers Forum!

Has anyone used Epiphanes gloss varnish on a guitar? I'm a boatbuilder, building my first guitar, I've had wonderful results spraying this varnish. Is there a reason I shouldn't use it on my guitar? Thanks, Rob

I use it when the client requests a varnish finish. IME it's an excellent finish. It's not quite as hard as some other finishes, but it isn't....fragile either. I'll be happy to share my schedule if you're interested.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

I use this varnish a lot on my canoes, best spar varnish that I have used yet. I have been hearing of some luthiers using it as a finish. I haven't yet, but I'd be very interested in hearing about how others are using it.

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Expectation is the source of all misery; comparison the thief of joy.
http://redrivercanoe.ca/

I have read where some mandolin makers are using this stuff too...Mike

Thanks, I.m happy to hear this varnish works, I'm interested in your methods, Rob

I am finishing a guitar now using Epifanes wonderful varnish. I mix it 1:1 with their accelerator, which is really added resins, transforming it in a short or medium oil varnish. To spray I add 50% of their thinner, although turpentine, mineral spirits or naphtha can equally be used. The first couple of coats may need 48h to fully cure. My first impressions, compared to Rockhard, is that it is more transparent, less amber, and softer for the first 48h. I think it has better adhesion as well. It may become my main choice for oil varnish.

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Laurent Brondel
West Paris, Maine - USA
http://www.laurentbrondel.com/

I use 4 coats on the top, and either 4 or 5 on the back and sides. I also use accelerator, but not in the last coat. A dust free enviroment is a must. I use 50% Epifanes thinner. Wet thickness is 3 mils per coat, with a dry thickness of 1 mil per coat. I lightly scuff between coats with 400 grit. I use Epifanes "Clear Gloss Varnish". Their "Woodfinish Varnish" doesn't require sanding between coats but I didn't like the way it sprays, and it seems softer to me.

Laurent, if I remember correctly you really like Rockhard on necks. To me the Epifanes feels different on a neck than Rockhard. I like Rockhard for necks, but not Epifanes. I use ML Campbell 2K urethane on all my necks.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Not to hijack the thread but, Woody, which ML Campbell 2k urethane are you using, and do you like it on bodies?

Chuck

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I use ML Campbell EuroBild clear wet look with their Exotic woods sealer. It looks great and seems really durable. I prefer varnish, but the polyurethane is tougher. I don't buff the necks, I only sand them to 2000 grit. (If the client wants a gloss neck I buff it)

Most 2K urethanes use isocynate hardners. Proper safety equipment is a must.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Thanks Woody, I've used automotive cat uretahane on one guitar and am happy with the looks and durability, I might try the ML Campbells Eurobild.

Chuck

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I recently used Epifanes gloss varnish on this mandola. I sealed the top with shellac before brushing the varnish on everything. I used their recommended thinner; the first coat or two was thinned 50 / 50, the subsequent ones slightly thicker. The flow out is great, and it sands beautifully. To smooth things out, I wiped on some tru oil, let it cure for some days and took it straight to the buffer. I'm very happy with the result, I will certainly use it on mando-things again, and I may also try it on a guitar.

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Rian Gitar og Mandolin