Recommend a wood finish

[Dbender]

Can someone recommend the best finish/technique for a boat paddle? Wood is maple if that matters.

 

[F.A.R.R.]

Spar varnish is always a good choice for something like that. Get a quality one, the more expensive ones hold up to uv better. Helmsman is one I’ve used and like.

 

[killerv]

Several coats of good spar. Helmsman makes a clear if you don't want the tinted orange look.

 

[Dbender]

Thanks, I'll give it a shot.

 

[parrothead127]

I just reconditioned an old boat paddle, 4 coats of minwax helmsman in semi gloss did the trick for me. It’s has a nice sheen to it. You’ll probably need to recoat every year or so depending on usage. I was fixing to go buy a new one but this one is so old, I had to give it new life. I just hate throwing things away that can be repurposed or reused. Lately I’ve been tearing down pallets from work and reusing the wood for all sorts of things.