Oiling canoe paddle. Works well on paddle handles also, although after a renewed application, there may be a tiny bit of sticky feeling at first. Proudly made in Hilo, Hawaii by master woodworker, Tevita Kunato Hey Jamie, In his book "Canoe Paddles - A Complete Guide to Making Your Own" Graham Warren recommends varnish for laminated paddles. I left the handle unfinished and unvarnished. Will you be paddling mostly whitewater and shallow rivers or will it be big rivers, lakes and flat water in general? Paddles with short wide blades are most appropriate for whitewater because they help you make forceful, fast strokes even 5 hours ago · You are purchasing a Good copy of 'Canoe Paddles: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own'. Epoxy Resin: Epoxy resin is an excellent May 18, 2008 · Oil Finish Graham Warren's book on Paddle Making mentions his preference for oiling one-piece paddles as a waterproofing finish. I found that over long Protect and enhance your wood with Badger Wood Oil, made from pure hempseed oil. • Sand where necessary & ensure the surface is free of loose Jul 3, 2007 · A good varnish job can more completely exclude moisture from the wood. His arguments include the ease in which oil can be applied, the difficulty in messing up the finish, and the feel of well-oiled paddle being superior to a varnished one. Apr 29, 2025 · Linseed Oil One of the most popular options for coating canoe paddles is linseed oil. I love it! I’ve applied two coats of tung oil, and am now wondering what y’all’s thoughts are on how many coats are necessary before beginning regular use. But since the shaft is not laminated you could probably get away with using oil for this part of the paddle. Here we talk about sanding a used paddle to get it ready to re-oil it and the steps involved. Badger Wood Oil is great for not only paddles and gunnels, but also knives, axes, and other wooden products. I paddle 80-90 days a year and store the canoe inside. I split the tip on one of my paddles on a recent trip and was wondering the best treatment for it. With the high level of moisture protection that comes with spar urethane, this could be a good choice for coating paddles, canoes or other wooden vessels. I zip strip and sand the grip on all my paddles and use tung oil on the grip. I am the craftsman and co-owner of Hunter and Harris. However, even the most well-made paddles are susceptible to wear and tear over time. Feb 9, 2021 · Paddle Length Features to Look For Bent vs Straight Shaft Grip Blade Shape Materials Solo Canoe Paddles There's a lot of technical aspects to choosing the right canoe paddle. Here I will dive into why we (Fishell Paddles) believe the wood Ottertail canoe paddle is the superior paddle of choice for recreational flat-water paddlers. Jul 29, 2021 · Step by step instructions on making a canoe paddle. Put the oil into a plastic container and stand in a pan of boiling water, leave for 5 mins and apply with either a brush or a jay cloth (non-absorbant). Oiling is quick and easy when compared to the varnishing process. Oiling wood provides water May 15, 2020 · Alternatively, the submersion method of using Pure Tung Oil for finishing canoe paddles saves you all the rubbing and brushing by letting you soak your rowing equipment in a bath of Pure Tung Oil or Half & Half. Dec 13, 2020 · My passion for canoeing has me making canoe paddles now in three distinct shapes. Nov 10, 2022 · What Kind Of Oil Do You Use On A Canoe Paddle? Badger Wood Oil is recommended for solid wood paddles, but you can also use a finely textured linseed or teak oil finish or a boiled oil. About £2. Paddle Art Contest Entry Unfinished Paddle $ 34. More importantly, it largely comes down to personal preference, rather than any important differences. Rivers hang up the paddle by the handle and heat the oil up until it's pretty warm. Nov 28, 2007 · I have a Bending Branches canoe paddle which is my “project paddle”. For example, shafts often come in different shapes. Learn about the best materials, how to build your own canoe paddle and all the tools you need for the job. You will need several coats. Mar 1, 2023 · In the modern day of paddling, purchasing the right canoe paddle can be very confusing and overwhelming. Oils such as tung oil or linseed oil penetrate deep into the wood, enhancing its natural beauty while providing protection against moisture. The gunwales are currently varnished, and I haven't looked closely enough at the boat to see if all of the woodwork is easily removed, or just some. For Solid Wood Paddles and Hardware The Badger Paddles canoe paddle oil or Badger Oil, is specifically designed for use on solid wood open canoe paddles, gunwales, yokes & thwarts. You can even leave it for 10 minutes or so to allow more penetration while you take a break or oil your paddles – but don’t leave it for too long or it will be thick and tacky when you return. This allows for the most ergonomically comfortable grip while paddling Oct 26, 2022 · Bringing this out as a new thread to increase visibility. . Most oiled canoe paddles and parts come pre-oiled and how often they should be re-finished really does depend on the use it gets, however re-oiling your gear will help prolong its life and keep it going for years to come. I’m a happy new owner of a used Folbot tandem in need of some care. Soap and water clean up. Periodic oiling of the grip will be needed to keep the wood from drying out and to keep the handle feeling soft. On this weeks Todd Talks, Todd talks how to oil your paddle grip for either canoe or stand up paddleboard paddles. If using as canoe paddle, periodically wipe on mineral oil onto the grip and let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Recreational outings, long flatwater tours, and whitewater adventures each demand different paddle characteristics. Condition Notes: Signs of wear and consistent use. Apr 22, 2019 · If you're using oil-based varnish, you can oil the whole paddle, let it cure a few days and then varnish all but the grip. As fly rods are to fishermen and shotguns are to pheasant hunters, so are paddles to a canoeist. There is a whole list of reasons why; see our page for more details on the benefits of using Badger Wood Oil. Below is a guide for selecting and sizing a paddle for each paddling type, followed by a comparison of common paddle materials (wood, aluminum, and carbon fiber) and how they perform in various conditions. Mar 4, 2025 · Jason Eke, Canadian canoeist and filmmaker, shares his process for repairing a wooden canoe paddle so it looks and performs as good as new… Limited Time Offer at MyKnobs -- Wildlife Collection - Canoe Paddle Pull in Oil Rubbed Bronze by Novelty Hardware. In this article, we will take you through the step-by-step process of refinishing a canoe paddle. The gunwhales look better than the bottom of Canoe Paddle Shaft A canoe paddle shaft plays a crucial role in the paddling process and involves more than most realize. The oval shape runs opposite or perpendicular to the blade. This is an all-natural oil that’s derived from flax seeds, and it’s been used for centuries as a wood finish. Work into wood and repeat a few times until well saturated. Has anyone had any experience shortening a paddle’s shaft length? Jun 4, 2011 · I use pure tung oil on my paddles. • Let stand for I was lucky to get this paddle for free. I would follow T’s advice and use tung in that case. But when I finish furniture, I use many coats of Minwax 209 clear penetrating oil. Apply multiple thin coats of oil using a rag or brush, allowing each coat to dry before applying the next. Can’t really see the need for any sort of fungicide… Polynesian canoe paddles made to order. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee The Badger Paddles canoe paddle oil or Badger Oil, is specifically designed for use on solid wood open canoe paddles, gunwales, yokes & thwarts. I'm curious about this: What's the best way to preserve the wood paddles? Is it like axe handles, where the poly coat is best sanded off and a few coats of oil applied? I've always used paddles with a factory varnish shaft and grip On this weeks Todd Talks, Todd talks how to oil your paddle grip for either canoe or stand up paddleboard paddles. The best paddles come with a slightly oval shaft that is designed for maximum grip comfort. Mar 31, 2018 · I've re-done several paddles over the years (fibreglassed faces of a bent shaft that split. To keep your paddle in top condition, it’s important to coat it with a protective layer. ) I used to spar varnish all my paddles, but have since taken to oiling with hemp oil (Badger oil available in Canada - which is the product int he link posted by @Bad Little Falls ) as it doesn't feed mildew like other oils can so I 'm told or at least led to believe - so far the cherry paddles I made Jul 30, 2008 · The downside are that you lose the slight flexibility of a solid paddle (due to lamination) and that you need to keep the paddle coated with epoxy to protect the glue line. I was unhappy with the feel, balance, blade thickness, blade profile etc and earlier this year I started slimming it down to a proper weight. I think I prefer the idea of just oiling it rather than varnish - but seems there's 101 ways of doing it and asking on a canoe forum May 18, 2025 · Conclusion Treating your canoe paddles with care is essential for their longevity and performance. Oct 25, 2009 · Care of your Badger Canoe Paddle (s) Hand-Rubbed Oiled Paddles** The amount of maintenance that an oiled paddle needs depends on the amount of use it gets in a season. It is the primary tool that you use to touch the water, and in my opinion can be as important or more important than the canoe. Jan 24, 2022 · We’ve paddled a few different brands of wooden canoe paddles over the years – Bending Branches, Badger Paddles, and Grey Owl. Badger Wood Oil is 100% All Natural Hempseed Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe. Badger Paddle Wood Oil is 100% All Natural Hempseed Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe. Step by step instructions and ingredient recommendations. I tend to oil grips rather than varnish them, although I have done canoe and kayak paddles of a modern and Greenland style with a combination of varnish and oil (oiled shafts or grips with varnished blades) I do like to do the tips on my blades in epoxy, however. When oil is poured into a wood pore, it hardens into a non-glossy surface, whereas when linseed oil is sprayed into a wood pores, it becomes sticky. Canoe Paddles. After some scraping, sanding and oiling, some lovely grain revealed itself! Way too big for me, so I gave it… Visit the post for more. As it ages I may sand off the varnish and go oil on it as well. Suggestions for an oil to be used on wood gunnels of a canoe and a cedar wood Greenland paddle?? Any special directions for application you think is a must? Oct 13, 2020 · The finish: There are different ways that you can finish your canoe paddle handle. Which paddle length Apr 25, 2025 · If you’re an avid canoer, you know the importance of having a reliable and durable paddle. I have repaired the split and epoxied the tip but now I'm unsure how to finish it off, unsure wether or not to varnish the blade and oil the shaft, varnish the whole thing or oil the whole thing. Looks like the previous owner had varnished them and it’s flaking off. In this video Ray is maintaining his paddles in readiness for the upcoming course. Also find Badger Paddle Socks and Badger Wood Oil. Feb 26, 2025 · Conclusion Refinishing a wooden canoe paddle is a rewarding project that can breathe new life into your paddle and protect it for years to come. I must admit I do prefer the look and feel of a fully oiled paddle rather than varnishing which I Dec 29, 2011 · Linseed Oil and Turps 2/3 boiled linseed oil, 1/3 turps has worked just fine for me for decades on canoe and kayak paddles. For further information, readers are encouraged to visit the associated websites or contact the provided email. The document provides guidance on how to varnish a wood canoe paddle at home, addressing common questions about the process. Our rule of thumb is for: 6 hour trips or less: Economical options are perfectly fine and added features are less necessary. varnish for restoring your canoe paddle. Wood Paddle & Oar Refinishing Instructions Wood paddles, oars and blades need a little TLC and maintenance for best performance and longevity. Also, what would be the indicator(s) that there isn’t enough tung oil? Thanks! Oct 4, 2022 · Linseed oil has traditionally been used as a finishing oil for canoe paddles. Take a look at the list of canoe paddles below. I later added 3 coats of boiled linseed oil on the handle. Here OK, so not gunwales. By following these steps, you can ensure that your canoe paddles remain in excellent condition and provide you with many enjoyable adventures on the water. The Fishell is a lovely piece of cherry, but the shiny varnish lacks the glow and warmth of an oil finish. Linseed Linseed can mold, tung does not, but it really doesn’t matter for your application unless you plan to store your paddle in a damp environment without air circulation. If the blade edge gets any hard use or is splitting, consider a thin bead of thickened epoxy to give it protection. From what I’ve read here about canoe gunwales from people who seem to know their stuff, if one plans on using the boat regularly, oil is better than varnish, no? So what type May 25, 2017 · Re: Greenland Paddle - What Finish? Personally, I like Watco's Teak Oil. Let the epoxy cure fully, then varnish. Ray Mears is preparing for the Canoeing in the Ardeche Gorge expedition 2025. You can smoothen the paddle out with a 320 grit white paint by “wet sanding” it with fine wet-proof sandpaper while oiling it. Jun 29, 2016 · Mike from Badger Paddles joins me over some Cutty Sark to chat about oil vs. Oct 14, 2022 · My canoe is canoe is 16 years old, and I've owned it for 12 years. 50 a bottle so very cheap. Oil finishes (pure oils, not faux-oil finishing products) cannot be built up to any significant Shop for Canoe Paddles at REI - Browse our extensive selection of trusted outdoor brands and high-quality recreation gear. It is said that oiling prevents blisters but requires much more maintenance. While some people will varnish the entire paddle, others leave the handle unfinished. I have gone more than a decade without Outdoor Allegheny River Services, located in Franklin, Pennsylvania, provides canoe, kayak, bicycle, and outdoor gear rentals. com How to maintain and re-oil your canoe or kayak paddle. Canoe Yoke & Yoke Pad Buyers Guide- Find all the latest and greatest Yokes and Yoke Pads available. Don’t think its a good idea at all to layer oil with water based products. Jul 19, 2022 · 4-minute read + 2. Jun 17, 2012 · Suggestions for an oil to be used on wood gunnels of a canoe and a cedar wood Greenland paddle?? Any special directions for application you think is a must? Apr 10, 2021 · Badger Wood Oil - Badger Paddles Our Badger Paddle Wood Oil is 100% All Natural Hempseed Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe. Jul 9, 2017 · Applying boiled linseed oil to our truly handcrafted paddles. Most oiled canoe paddles and parts come pre-oiled and how often they should be re-finished really does depend on the use it gets, however re-oiling your gear will help prolong its life and keep it going for years to Our Badger Paddle Wood Oil is 100% All Natural Hempseed Oil that has no harsh fumes and is even food safe. May 31, 2006 · I use boiled linseed oil for paddles and kneeling thwart. With both interior and exterior applications, our Badger Wood Oil has also been used to finish wooden handled knives, axes, furniture, floors, decks, and more! Instructions for oiling your canoe paddle: First prepare the wood by making sure it is clean & dry. May 6, 2012 · We plan to do a “How To Oil A Wood Canoe Paddle” soon as well. Maintaining An Oiled Canoe Paddle What Kind of Oil Should I Use To Maintain My Paddle? For maintenance on all our oiled canoe paddles, we recommend using our all natural Badger Wood Oil. I see my canoe is a work boat and the gunwhales aren't pretty, but there is not a spot of rot anywhere, and that's all I care about. We do this because an oiled grip feels much better in the hand, especially over a l I was gifted a canoe paddle and have kept it as decor atm. Aug 25, 2011 · When it comes to making a canoe (or kayak) paddle, it’s a very personal thing. Sand where necessary & ensure the surface is free of loose particles & dust. Maybe once a month, I just rub some oil on. When oiled or varnished paddles are oiled or varnished, they should be hand-rubbed with fine marine tung oil products, such as Behr or boiled linseed oil. The trick is to put it on lightly and rub it in well. Then I rub it in, a little bit at a time with my fingers. Jul 31, 2011 · I am finishing an ash wood paddle soon and wondering if anyone has a preference of oil to use, I have always used Boiled Linseed oil and it has been ok, wondering if Tung oil or something else is preferred by any of you traditionalists. Eco-friendly, non-toxic, and ideal for paddles, furniture, and more. Whether you opt for linseed oil, tung oil, mineral oil, or teak oil, each type offers unique benefits to protect and enhance your paddles. I usually find it is best applied hot to gain maximum penetration. Apr 3, 2010 · Let the oil soak in and penetrate while you work your way around the rest of the canoe - oiling as you go. I opted for the latter. Brings a deep, luscious sheen to all your wooden paddles and other wood products. Here's the basic scoop on finishes: Oil The main reasons that people choose oil finishes are twofold: 1 - They like the feel. We paddle a mix of whitewater and flatwater in our Novacraft Prospector 16 open deck canoes, with some multi-day tripping. If you do enough coats you can actually build up a surface finish that is quite durable, but rather slippery, so I would recommend stopping short of that. Regular cleaning, drying, oiling, proper storage, and periodic inspections are key to maintaining their quality. I may gently steel wool it anyway just to knock down the shine. Apr 3, 2010 · Let the oil soak in and penetrate while you work your way around the rest of the canoe – oiling as you go. Made from 100% pure Canadian hempseed oil, this product is not only effective in preserving wood but also eco-friendly Mar 13, 2015 · With an oiled paddle, you may need to oil the paddle more frequently than you would have to attend to varnish (especially in the first years of a paddle's life) but the process of oiling a paddle is very easy in comparison to varnishing, particularly when you use our Badger Wood Oil. Top quality, great selection and expert advice you can trust. Tung vs. When I made a batch of superlight spruce thwarts for my WW canoe, I knew that oiling, while fine for ash, is not Dec 9, 2020 · So, what is the right canoe paddle for you? The first thing to take into account when choosing a canoe paddle is the kind of water you will be paddling on. Apr 13, 2021 · INSTRUCTIONS FOR OILING YOUR CANOE PADDLE WITH BADGER WOOD OIL: • First prepare the wood by making sure it is clean & dry. Aug 15, 2009 · What you use for a finish on a paddle is a distant second at best. We offer trips on French Creek and the Allegheny River from Meadville to Emlenton! 70 likes, 6 comments - canadianoutdoorequipment on April 13, 2021: "INSTRUCTIONS for OILING your CANOE PADDLE with BADGER WOOD OIL: • First prepare the wood by making sure it is clean & dry. I don’t see any reason to oil gunwales more than once every three months. She's much less active here than I am so I'll ask the question. Wipe off excess when Dec 3, 2022 · The end of the season is the perfect time for Badger Paddles to provide Canoe Paddle Maintenance Tips – Oil and Varnish. Badger Wood Oil: Nature's Best for Your Canoe Paddles Enhance and protect your canoe paddles with Badger Wood Oil, a premium, all-natural solution crafted for the meticulous care of your paddling gear. For those who live in winter climates, that would be once at the beginning of the paddle season, once in the middle, and once before winter storage. Nov 25, 2021 · The Bruce Smith paddle just has a fantastic glow about it, you want to touch it, caress it even. Aug 30, 2009 · Frequency of oiling Sorry if I’m misreading your OP, Sissy, but it almost sounds as if you are trying to oil after every paddle. When it gets to the point where it looks slightly battered from years of use, though, here’s how to maintain it… Inevitably, your paddle will get scratched d For those considering refinishing or finishing a canoe paddle with a traditional finish. Jun 20, 2013 · I’d worry about compatibility though and, not knowing what the original finish on a paddle was and that oil based is traditional for paddles, I assume oil based and stay with it. If some woodwork is best left in-place, she'll probably varnish everything, but let's pretend that everything can Mar 13, 2025 · 2. Oil Oiling is another common method used to finish canoe paddles. You can even leave it for 10 minutes or so to allow more penetration while you take a break or oil your paddles - but don't leave it for too long or it will be thick and tacky when you return. 5-minute videoYour Bending Branches wood canoe or kayak paddle won’t need any special care except to protect it from the elements between trips. Stay tuned! For more information about how to maintain your wood canoe paddle, visit our website (s): here and here. The decision to oil or varnish your handgrip is purely personal preference. But what can you use to coat a canoe paddle? Let’s explore some of the options. buymeac Jun 17, 2012 · Suggestions for an oil to be used on wood gunnels of a canoe and a cedar wood Greenland paddle?? Any special directions for application you think is a must? Feb 6, 2020 · On this weeks Todd Talks, Todd talks how to oil your paddle grip for either canoe or stand up paddleboard paddles. 6 hours+/days or longer: All about weight and/or durability and performance. Mar 14, 2015 · See our video (above) on how to varnish a canoe paddle at home to get an idea of what goes into varnishing a canoe paddle. This is my favorite part of paddle making! Sit back and relax to this one minute Choosing the right canoe paddle depends on how and where you paddle. For instance, a paddle that is to be used daily or up to 4 days/week, we recommend oiling your paddle every few weeks or as needed. I must admit I do prefer the look and feel of a fully oiled paddle rather than varnishing which I May 18, 2025 · Refinishing a canoe paddle is a great way to restore its natural beauty and protect it from damage caused by exposure to the elements. I’m looking for opinions on what is the most appropriate — not necessarily the cheapest — varnish to use. I do canoe quite a bit and would love to put this paddle back into commission to honor this person’s late father, but this guy was likely over 6’ and this paddle is way too long for me. Aug 27, 2019 · Whether you’re looking for a canoe paddle for cruising, tripping or whitewater adventures, Paddling Magazine has rounded up seven of the best picks. Also, do you sand between coats, or just oil - let soak in See full list on sanborncanoe. • Apply oil with a clean rag • Use a fine sandpaper to “wet sand” using the oil for lubrication. Jun 16, 2020 · I made a canoe paddle last year and have yet to get it wet. It includes tips on sanding and applying varnish, as well as a mention of an upcoming video on oiling paddles. What kind of oil should be used to make a bare paddle shaft? I add one-third Discover the signature finishes that protect and enhance every Badger Paddle—from hand-rubbed oil to our combination varnish finish and WaterColours. Splosh it on the paddle starting at the top (I put the container under the blade to catch the run off) Give it some time to soak in, maybe a couple of hours, constantly resploshing any bits that look like they are drier than others. Bending Branches is here to help you maintain the life of your gorgeous paddle. 98 Feb 6, 2020 · Nearly all of our wilderness paddles are delivered with a bare wood grip. • Sand where necessary & ensure the surface is free of loose particles & dust. Thoughts? Aug 4, 2022 · FAST and easy how to canoe paddle maintenance to protect and renew your paddle for the canoeing season! All you need is s 220 grit sand paper, elbow grease, paintbrush, spar varnish or spar urethane. Since this is an ongoing project I have been using Watco Exterior rather than varnish (scrape, sand, oil, test, repeat). Linseed oil or tung oil are popular choices as they penetrate into the wood fibers, nourishing them while offering some protection against water damage. It’s easy to apply and penetrates deeply into the wood, providing excellent protection against water damage and other environmental factors. On the frame of a SOF kayak that is covered with fabric trapped moisture will eventually cause the linseed coated frame to mold. Jun 11, 2024 · Choosing the best oil for your canoe paddles is essential for maintaining their longevity and performance. Premium handcrafted solid wood canoe paddles, made in the heart of Ontario's cottage country. Jun 27, 2016 · This guide to how to pick a canoe paddle will teach you about different materials, grip options and blade shapes, how to size a paddle, and more. Safe for your solid wood paddles, canoe gunwales, wooden thwarts, knife and axe handles, and even the wooden cutting boards in your kitchen. Just made my first red cedar Greenland paddle, as per Chuck Holtz’s design specs. This video takes you through the steps of proper paddle maintenance and caring for a prized possession in your life. Oct 20, 2016 · I split the tip on one of my paddles on a recent trip and was wondering the best treatment for it. Beautiful curly koa, decorative and functional. Feb 10, 2009 · A friend of mine is soon going to refinish the gunwales of her canoe. We paddle exclusively in the far north of Japan, on Japan’s northernmost island of Hokkaido (see all routes we’ve paddled here). The long paddle for open water, the white water paddle for rapids and turbulent water, and the light paddle for all round easy touring. Jul 24, 2024 · I need to refinish an ash paddle made by Dale Toby of Grand Lake Stream. Brings a deep, luscious sheen to all your wooden Jul 18, 2025 · While hot, hazy summer days can be oppressive, sweaty and hard to deal with, it's actually the best time to maintain and protect your wood handled tools, paddles, canoe gunwales and leather and canvas products - as all these materials absorb oils and waxes more readily, with increased penetration and water resistance in balmy summer temperatures and conditions. See you on the Miramichi, Tom Mar 18, 2023 · While both spar marine varnish and spar urethane can offer water protection for your wooden canoe, boat or paddle, the one that is best for you will likely come down to budget and/or maintenance. With some basic tools and a little bit of elbow grease, you can easily refinish your canoe paddle at home. By following these steps and incorporating proper sanding, staining, and varnishing techniques, you can transform your weathered paddle into a beautiful and functional piece of equipment. Compare options, prices, read reviews and where to buy! If using the paddle for outdoor display, a once-a-year cleaning with a mild cleaning solution is all that’s required. I usually put the oil and the paddle in the sun for a bit to warm up. If you enjoyed this then consider making a small donation at: https://www. FREE SHIPPING on most orders over $49 per manufacturer May 16, 2025 · 2. My personal favourites, other choices, sizing and oiling. To finish your canoe paddle this way, make sure your container allows full submersion to achieve a penetrating finish. Oil Finish If you prefer a more natural look and feel, an oil finish can be an excellent choice for your canoe paddle. The wood coaming is in good shape, no dry rot apparent. qbp9jjyc tnucv2ep hlthpho t7w05 mbof db hxzb3 1tq7jand 3hkm orku