Oxidized tacks

[Longpaddle]

I am restoring a couple of Otca canoes, one of them has apparently been in salt water and the salt water has reacted with the tacks causing a green coating on them. The tacks don't appear to have been damaged (stength wise). The inside of the canoe was finished with it's original varnish and then I believe shellac over the varnish. Both of these finishes failed over the oxidized tacks and the finish lifted or bubbled away from the tack.

I am stripping and re varnishing the canoe will the tacks react with the new finish? Should I treat or seal the tacks with something to remove oxidation? Anyone else have any experience with this?

Thanks
Longpaddle

 

[Woodchuck]

Saltwater...

I hope you get an answer to your question here but if not, to to the Wooden Boat people who deal with saltwater issues all the time and someone there will be sure to help you...
http://www.woodenboat-ubb.com/cgi-bin/UBB/ultimatebb.cgi
CYA, Joe

 

[davelanthier]

I did one and found that the chemical paint stripper will also clean the tacks as you go . Watch the tacks for any bad corrosion and replace if in doubt .