Varnish prices...

Whats the average going rate for a Varnish job that folks have seen advertised? I've seen anywhere from $500 on up. Has anyone seen it less expensive?

[BigJoe]

What kind of varnish job? Refinish? Spirit varnish with French Polish or oil varnish or ?? New mandolin? Experienced and competent finish expert or amatuer? These may seem silly, but they all make a difference when it comes to price. There are a LOT more things that price when it comes to competent and functional work.

Thanks Joe....i'm trying to price work for a new mandolin. I don't know a great deal about Varnish. Always interested in learning though so i'm "all ears".

[Chris Baird]

A varnish finish takes me about 20-30 hours longer than lacquer. #I won't throw out any $ quotes but you can do the math according to how much you think your luthier's time is worth.

[2partinvention]

Ondra Holoubek did my varnish for about 450$ on a new mandolin . Im pretty sure it takes much longer than 20-30 hours longer also .

[Big Joe]

We charge $2000.00 for a varnish finish. It is very time consuming. We have our own varnish and drying system also. Whatever one charges it is not too much.

[August Watters]

I've noticed builders charging at least $700-1000 extra for a spirit varnish finish, although as Big Joe said, it's hard to overprice something this time consuming.

Ondra Holoubek's price is actually $450. Pavel Janish is a bit lower, at $300 for an F5 - I think he can afford to price it this low because he subcontracts the varnishing to an experienced violin maker.

August Watters
http://www.galleryofstrings.com