C-Forum

I'm refinishing a paddle shaft and wondering what the best finish to use on it.

Epoxy, varnish, polyurethane, space age polymers.

Any suggestions?

a great finish to apply is linseed oil, its naturally water proof, and it is a very smooth feel in the hand. i wouldnt mess with the epoxy, becaue it seems like alot of work just for a finish, and i dont know how water resistant/proof smoe varnishes are, but i have seem some used i think.
all in all linseed oil.
cheers
-isaac

I have never seen linseed oil used on a paddle, but can vouch for it as being a good finish. I use it a lot in the woodworking I do making stools and bowls and things like that.

Nate

I have used thin coats of West epoxy on paddle shafts, covered with UV resistant varnish. The epoxy wears well by itself, but lasts much longer when used with Dynel sleeve. I don't recall whether John Sweet still has Dynel sleeve.

I have used Minwax 209 and also Watco exterior oil on wood, mainly on paddle handles. My concern with using it on a paddle shaft is that neither 209 nor linseed oil is going to absolutely exclude water from working into the wood. There is an optimum water content for peak wood strength. Frequent use under the wet and sweaty hand of a paddler may weaken the wood just a bit, though it will dry out gradually while carried around in a hot car.

Mark Myracle (Symmetria paddles, no longer in business) taught me to use Minwax polyurethane. He discouraged the use of epoxy as it will develop cracks and allow water in.

Since I have been beating on some of his paddles for more than a decade I have been happy with his advice.

Here is all you ever wanted to know about maintaining a wood paddle; shaft, blade, and otherwise:

http://www.americanwhitewater.org/journ ... _6_033.jpg

i guess i have never used epoxy in this application, as it seems we all have different schools of though, or have learned from someone different. but i tihnk that most work, alls i know is what i have used to repair my own gear.
cheers
-isaac