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I used Rock Hard long ago until they changed the recipe, then used SW Fast Dry Oil Varnish. Now it's no longer made so I switched to ACE A276 interior oil varnish, now that is no longer available. What are you guys using for an oil varnish?
Thanks

I've of epiphanes being used. Laurent Brondel sprays it to good effect,1 part varnish 1 part hardener, 1 part thinner IIRC.

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The name catgut is confusing. There are two explanations for the mix up.

Catgut is an abbreviation of the word cattle gut. Gut strings are made from sheep or goat intestines, in the past even from horse, mule or donkey intestines.

Otherwise it could be from the word kitgut or kitstring. Kit meant fiddle, not kitten.

Isn't Epiphanes a marine (spar) varnish?

Crich yes it is a spar varnish. I have used it with very good results. be sure and get the correct one as there are many varieties of Epiphanies. Gives it a really luscious tone. it will darken up your wood a bit. It's self leveling so it's really easy to use a foam brush.

Pat Foster used to use a varnish finish. he would prob have some good input. Bruce Sexuar also uses a varnish finish but I think he makes up his own recipes.

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International Violin. Several brands.

Has anyone have any experience with a product called Saman Oil hybrid varnish?

The most recent version of Bruce Sexauer's varnish schedule I've seen states: "Currently, I am using 2 different varnishes, and mixing them together. One is the Ace Hardware Store in-house product: Gloss Interior solvent based  Varnish Product 276A111 (ACE16389). Some stores say it doesn’t exist, but it does. The other product is technically a Urethane, and is made by Murdoch in Vermont. They call it Uralkyd-500 Floor finish (Gloss). It dries faster and harder than the Ace product, and mixing them seems to mix their qualities in direct proportion to their quantities. I find this useful in manipulating tone through controlling structure. The viscosity of the Ace product when fresh is about right, and can be maintained by adding small amounts of true turpentine. I also add about 10% by volume of acetone in the interest of getting a better bond between coat and avoiding witness lines." You can contact Bruce through his website. Bruce is also in the process of producing a book about his approach to luthierie, and I'm sure that will cover finishing.

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Tim Allen
"Never hurry, never rest."

I have used the Epiphanes a couple of times with good results.I used a foam brush and sanded and rubbed it out to a pleasing gloss...
Here’s a guitar I made using that varnish.

Just the epiphanes straight or with thinner and hardener etc?

A little thinner (epiphenes brand) a little acetone, a little japan drier and a little Penetrol-no hardener

Thanks it's never the easy answer with finishing is it. Would you recommend it?