Tradition Meets Precision: Joha Spirit Varnishes for the Highest Demands
For generations, instrument makers around the world have trusted the proven quality of
Joha spirit varnishes when it comes to finishing high-quality string instruments.
These varnishes combine traditional formulas with modern production techniques,
offering optimal characteristics for smooth application, quick drying, and a
brilliant finish.
Whether used in new construction or restoration, Joha spirit varnishes enhance the
acoustic development of the instrument and highlight the natural beauty of the wood.
The wide color range allows for individual design choices and an
authentic appearance — true to historic or modern models.
Rely on quality that has stood the test of time — for results that convince both
acoustically and visually.
Company Holiday: June 6–20, 2025
Dear customers, We’re taking a short break!
Our business will be closed for vacation from June 6 to June 20, 2025. During this time, there will be no shipping or customer service available. Orders can still be placed as usual – shipping will resume on June 23, 2025.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia – The Classic for Highest Demands in Sound and Appearance
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia is the most commonly used spirit varnish in our range – a genuine quality product with a long tradition. For decades, this varnish has been produced according to a proven, old recipe, continuously optimized and tested thousands of times in practice. It is the first choice for professional violin makers, restorers, and instrument makers who value outstanding processing quality, musical fine-tuning, and aesthetic effect.
The basis of JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia consists of carefully selected, high-quality natural resins that ensure excellent sound development. The tonal characteristics of the instrument are fully preserved and even positively enhanced – a decisive advantage for high-quality string and plucked instruments.
The varnish impresses with its very good elasticity and fast drying, which significantly facilitates processing. It can be applied evenly, dries cleanly, and produces a beautifully glossy, rich surface with fine depth and transparency. The gloss appears natural and elegantly highlights the individual wood grain of the instrument.
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia is ideally suited for coating new builds as well as for the professional restoration of historical instruments. It can be used pure or combined with other JOHA® products to achieve individual surface effects – from silky matte to high gloss.
Key Features at a Glance:
Made according to a traditional recipe
Proven thousands of times in craftsmanship and restoration
With high-quality natural resins for excellent sound reproduction
Fast drying and elastic
Beautiful, rich gloss with transparent depth effect
Ideal for new builds and restorations
Discover with JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia the perfect combination of artisanal tradition, acoustic quality, and aesthetic sophistication – for professional demands.
Recommended for Experienced Users
JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia is aimed at experienced violin makers, restorers, and varnish professionals who are familiar with the properties of spirit varnishes and expect high quality and excellent processing characteristics.
Application Instructions:
Do not shake the varnish before use
Thin, even layers applied with fine brushes or spray technique are optimal
Allow sufficient drying time between layers
If necessary, the varnish can be diluted with spirit to adjust flow properties – pay attention to the individual reaction of the wood and substrate
For best sound and gloss, careful intermediate sanding with tripoli or pumice is recommended
The final polish can be done with a soft cloth using gloss and care polish to achieve characteristic depth and rich gloss
Tip: Spirit varnishes are sensitive to moisture and temperature fluctuations. Therefore, always store the product tightly closed in a cool, dry place. The varnish should always be transferred into a glass bottle.
With JOHA® Spirit Varnish Ia, experienced users benefit from a fast-drying, elastic varnish that flexibly adapts to different surfaces and optimally supports the acoustic properties of the instrument.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish IA is our most used spirit varnish, which has been tested thousands of times and is produced according to an old, traditional recipe. It dries rapidly , elastic and provides an attractive rich sheen . Through the use of valuable resins, this coating has a very good colour tone reproduction.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend this varnish to the more experienced, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.
JOHA ® Spirit Varnish Standard has some features similar to Spirit Varnish IA. This very good but cheaper spirit varnish was created by replacing the relatively expensive resins and oils with cheaper resins with similar properties.
Previous experience:
Advanced
We recommend you practice applying this varnish, as the surfaces dry quickly, which makes it more difficult to apply.