Wood wing varnish

Ready to assemble the WA j3 wing. Looking for advice on how to do the varnish job. Is there an better/easier way than small brush and lots of patience?
Should I do the ribs before final assembly?

Partly it depends on the varnish you are using. Is it epoxy-based?

I think it would be important not to varnish any place you intend to use adhesives, like the spar/rib attachment points.

FWIW, I've varnished and/or epoxy-varnished entire boat interiors in an afternoon. I plan to do my wing in similar amount of time--after assembly, although I'd probably put an application on areas under metal fittings prior to assembly.