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quick rubbing varnish

Hand Lettering topics: Sign Making, Design, Fabrication, Letterheads, Sign Books.

Moderators: Ron Percell, Mike Jackson, Danny Baronian

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Kim Ross
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:10 am

quick rubbing varnish

Post by Kim Ross »

Not sure if this is of any interest to anyone, but I noticed that it is pretty hard to find quick rubbing varnish these days. So I did a little research into this stuff...turned on my crusty computer and googled "Handling traditional oil varnishes" an article by the New York Times. Paragraphs 8-10 deal with long and short oil varnishes (spelled "spar" and "rubbing varnishes"). After getting an understanding of the make-up of varnishes, I googled "Restoration varnish" and clicked on "Behlen varnishes, shellac, salid bowl finish, watco danish oil" (the one with the merit industries address). Scroll down to "Rockhard table top varnish". I think this is the genuine article.
Leo Calleros
Posts: 72
Joined: Tue Aug 05, 2008 7:36 pm
Location: Round Rock, TX
Contact:

Post by Leo Calleros »

Well, the the quick rubbing varnish is still available along with other Commonwealth products. Spoke to the people that made them for Rick Glawson and said I could buy them so long as I bought the minimum $2,000 for a batch, wholesale.
Kim Ross
Posts: 30
Joined: Wed Jun 27, 2007 1:10 am

Post by Kim Ross »

I appreciate your response. That's good to know that this product line can still be accessed...however, $2000.00 is a pretty tough nut to crack these days. I guess the real value at this site, is that there is no minimum. You can buy a pint of quick rubbing varnish for $11.50.
Larry White
Posts: 1213
Joined: Thu Apr 08, 2004 4:18 am

Post by Larry White »

Well go on then!
Mike Jackson
Site Admin
Posts: 1705
Joined: Tue Apr 06, 2004 11:02 pm
Location: Jackson Hole, WY
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Post by Mike Jackson »

There are quite a few suppliers listed on this page:
http://www.theletterheads.com/supplies/index.htm

If you called around, you can probably still find some old supply of many products.

A quart of about any of those old varnishes could last most people a lifetime.

Sounds like you have a source already.

Mike Jackson
Mike Jackson / co-administrator
Golden Era Studios
Vintage Ornamental Clip art
Jackson Hole, WY

Photography site:
Teton Images
Jackson Hole photography blog:
Best of the Tetons
Rick Sacks
Posts: 68
Joined: Thu Apr 15, 2004 3:17 pm
Location: Mendocino, California
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Post by Rick Sacks »

Doesn't Percell sell the varnishes?
Letterhead Sign Supply
Mendocino, California
"Where the redwoods meet the Sea"
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