View Full Version : 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
Mar-29-2004, 9:57pm
What kind of varnish job? Refinish? Spirit varnish with French Polish or oil varnish or http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/rock.gif?? 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
Mar-30-2004, 8:31am
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
Mar-30-2004, 9:33am
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
Mar-30-2004, 10:59am
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
Mar-30-2004, 11:20am
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