Old Ot Filler

charvey

Enthusiastic about Wooden Canoes
I have discovered a long forgotten few quarts of OT Filler that have to be at least 30 plus years old. Never been opened and still have liquid sloshing around inside. There is no formula indicated on the backside of the label, only application instructions. Any ideas if this batch had white lead? My main question that comes to mind should this filler be used assuming that it able to be mixed.

filler.jpg
 
My guess is that your can of filler doesn't contain any lead. The label shows an 04468 Zip code which was introduced on July 1, 1963. The Old Town fillers stopped using lead in 1964 as shown at http://www.wcha.org/forums/index.php?threads/10044/ so it is likely that your can was filled after 1964. Lead test kits like the one at https://www.amazon.com/3M-717834209102DUPE-LeadCheck-Swabs-8-Pack/dp/B008BK15PU are readily available if you want to be sure. You may want to test some on a scrap piece of canvas before using this on a nice canoe. Good luck,

Benson
 
Last edited:
On my 1st canoe I used some old OT filler and other then taking forever to get it mixed, it dried fine.
I'd recommend dumping all the old material in a larger container and use a mixer on a drill motor.
You will need something very stiff to get all the settled material out.

Dan
 
I used a can of that about 2 years ago. Best stuff I have ever used. No lead in it until I added some!
 
Thanks everyone. Along with 4 quarts of filler, I also discovered a 20ft roll of unknown weight canvas. I had totally forgotten about these which I tucked away in the dark recesses of the basement after being given them for free from the owner of a previously abandoned project. I have 5 project canoes in queue and these newly rediscovered products will be put to use this fall.
 
Back
Top