Hello Everyone-
I just finished carving 2 paddles from a plank of solid Cherry. Now that the hard part is done, or so I thought, I need to start thinking about the finish I will put on them. That is why I am here... I've done a little research and found that there are people who;
-Epoxy and then 3-4 coats of varnish
-Just apply 3-4 coats of varnish
-Varnish blade and shaft, then oil the grip
-Oil the complete paddle
I do intend to use these paddles so I am looking for a relatively durable finish. I was leaning toward oil, but I am not sure how/what the maintenance/durability will be...? Thoughts?
Questions about the varnish/oil combo... I was considering this as well, however, it seems that there would be compatability issues between the two. Maybe delamination/flaking of finish at the transition between the varnished blade/shaft and the oiled grip..? Thoughts on that one?
Maybe I'm thinking too much about this. I guess that I spent so much time carving and creating these paddles, I'd hate to screw them up at this finishing stage. So I would love your input, thoughts, and/or experiences.
Thank you for the help. It is very much appreciated.
Terry
I just finished carving 2 paddles from a plank of solid Cherry. Now that the hard part is done, or so I thought, I need to start thinking about the finish I will put on them. That is why I am here... I've done a little research and found that there are people who;
-Epoxy and then 3-4 coats of varnish
-Just apply 3-4 coats of varnish
-Varnish blade and shaft, then oil the grip
-Oil the complete paddle
I do intend to use these paddles so I am looking for a relatively durable finish. I was leaning toward oil, but I am not sure how/what the maintenance/durability will be...? Thoughts?
Questions about the varnish/oil combo... I was considering this as well, however, it seems that there would be compatability issues between the two. Maybe delamination/flaking of finish at the transition between the varnished blade/shaft and the oiled grip..? Thoughts on that one?
Maybe I'm thinking too much about this. I guess that I spent so much time carving and creating these paddles, I'd hate to screw them up at this finishing stage. So I would love your input, thoughts, and/or experiences.
Thank you for the help. It is very much appreciated.
Terry