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}
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