Canoe paddle finishing

[jwmiller33]

I recently built my first hand made bent shaft canoe paddle and it turned out really good. I am at the point of applying the finishing touches and am curious what others have done. My research tells me most people simply apply a few coats of varnish to the entire thing... Others have said they varnish only the blade and then oil the shaft. My question would be what type of oil? Can you apply oil and varnish to the shaft? If so, what order?  Is there a recommended clear coat to apply after the varnish (like a polyurethane)? Or is the varnish all you need? The varnish I picked up is a marine grade spar varnish from menards.

Edited April 3, 2017 by jwmiller33

[Surface Tension]

All the store bought paddles are varnished.  I'd use the varnish and steel wool between coats but I don't have any customs made paddles either and my goal is to protect the wood.

 

You can get technical if you want.   Search for wipe on and brushed on finish.

Some guys say a varnished paddle give them blisters which has never been a problem for me but my hands get used.   If you want the oil then use linseed oil thinned with turpentine.  Rub it in and let it soak and then rub it off, repeat. 

 

Lets see the paddle when your finished.

 

[jwmiller33]

Well I have 1 coat of glossy marine grade spar varnish on so far and it soaked into the wood real good. I was hoping for more gloss but maybe that will come after a few more coats. Here are the pics so far.  The 3rd pic is a before and after the first coat of varnish.

[I fish, therefore I lie]

And to think that all that time you spent building this thing could have been spent fishing.. . . . . . . Great Job! It looks great.