Varnish

The varnish used on Bear Meadow instruments is a cutting edge waterborne product.

Target Coating's Polycarbonate Urethane (EM9300) is a rugged indoor/outdoor varnish that has great wetting properties, rare in waterborne finishes. Under this varnish, the wood assumes its warm richness, similar to the look of oil varnishes.

I use a wiping technique that gives a thin hard layer in about 5-9 coats, depending on the wood grain I'm working with.