Taking a guitar on a campout? Varnish can protect it from moisture, heat and scratches.
If you are building a guitar or refinishing an old guitar, applying the varnish is the finishing touch. Varnish is a combination of oil and natural resins, such as rosin or amber, that provides a protective and durable guitar finish. Varnish is resistant to moisture, heat and scratches. Applying varnish is a time- and labor-intensive process. The best results are produced by applying 10 to 12 light coats of wiping varnish by hand, with either a brush or rag.
Instructions
1. Set up a work area for the guitar in a well-ventilated and dust-free environment.
2. Sand the guitar with 220-grit sandpaper to prepare the surface for the varnishing process. Sand the guitar with #0000 steel wool to remove the sanding dust from the pores in the wood. Wipe the guitar with a tack cloth to remove sanding dust. Vacuum the surrounding area with a vacuum cleaner to remove the last remnants of dust.
3. Dilute the varnish with mineral spirits. Use a 50-50 mix of varnish and mineral spirits or turpentine. Begin with a small amount in a small container. You might have to make adjustments to the mix depending on the wood of the guitar.
4. Decide whether you want to apply the varnish with a brush or a rag. Use a clean lint-free cloth if you are applying the varnish by hand. If you decide to use a brush, use a tapered chisel-edge brush designed for varnish.
5. Hold the guitar in the middle of the neck. Apply a light coat of varnish to the back, front and sides of the guitar. Avoid varnishing the neck at this point. Use the neck to rotate the guitar as you varnish the body. Begin on the back side of the guitar. Apply the varnish to an area with one smooth movement. Don't go over an area once the varnish has been applied. The goal is to minimize the number of overlapping lines.
6. Hang the guitar on a hook. Apply the varnish to the neck. Allow the varnish to dry overnight.
7. Lightly buff the guitar with #0000 steel wool. Wipe the guitar with a tack cloth to remove the dust. Apply a second coat of varnish. Repeat the process eight to 10 times. Buff the finish with steel wool before each application.
