Double Bass Which varnish is best for refinishing?

[miles'tone]

Hi there! I have a laminate URB with a hard-gloss spray-on finish. I'm interested in stripping the original finish (orangey/honey) and applying an oil based darker finish to let the wood "breath" a bit more (and to help it look more antiquated). Does anybody know what kind of varnish will be suitable and where to get it? Would Danish oil be appropriate?
I want to find out before I strip my bass down as I don't want to leave the bare wood exposed too long!
Hope you can help! Thanks.

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

Danish oil is not appropriate, because it is not protective enough, and because it seeps very deeply into the wood. Try to find the oil varnishes and colorants made by Hammerl in Germany. And practice up on your brushing technique. An alternative is Waterlox, a wiping varnish.

 

[miles'tone]

Thanks Arnold, just checked out the Hammerl website and it looks the way to go. Yes, I agree, lots of practice first!

 

[Martin Sheridan]

You might also check out my thread Varnish Matters. In fact I wish more of you would add your recepies and thoughts to it.