I've bought a couple of paddles off fleabay which are both varnished. Having read that a lot of people seem to get blisters from varnished paddles, and the fact that me and the mrs are paddle virgins, so even more likely to blister...... should I rub the paddles down and oil them?
If so....
should I do the whole paddle or just the handles?
What oil to use?
How many coats?
Any thinners for first coat?
ta
There are peeps on here that will be able to provide advice from experience...but personally...I'd..
Only rub down the shaft if you can get away with it.
Use Danish Oil
And I believe it goes, once a day for a week, once a week for a month, once a month for a year.... or sommit like that...
Be interested to hear what the Paddlemakers have to say...
Cheers
Red.
Once a day for a week,
Once a week for a month,
Once a month for a year,
Once a year for life.
But 3-5 coats should be enough.
Biff
I only rubbed down the handle on Mandy's paddle didn't oil it as the handle tends to be out of the water, left the shaft and blade varnished, = no blisters.....
Cheers
Tim
After decades of paddling I have never felt the need to alter a wooden paddle finish and have never suffered from blisters or discomfort when paddling a canoe, kayak yes but never a single bladed paddle.
Most blisters are caused by having a tight grip on the paddle, so relax the grip and the paddle will flow better.
Plastic 'T' grips are a near guarantee of blisters
I should just use the paddles first before doing anything to them.