To varnish or not to varnish...

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Jack395
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:57 pm

To varnish or not to varnish...

Post by Jack395 »

I have a Clark Craft 13' cedar strip canoe. I'm happy with the finish I got from the West Systems epoxy finish. It's like glass. No dust, no runs, no sags. Research says it needs UV protection. If I'm keeping the boat inside and protected from the elements when not in
use, do I really need to varnish?
Also, looking for plans for a double-blade oar. Any suggestions?

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Glen Smith
Posts: 3719
Joined: Sat May 08, 2004 9:08 am
Location: Baie-St-Paul, Quebec, Canada

Post by Glen Smith »

The canoe is nice. Think of the varnish as a sacrificial coating. Four coats of a good quality Spar varnish will not only provide protection from the sun's UV rays but also take knocks and scratches. At the end of a paddling season or when the hull is fairly scratched, you can sand it and apply another coat or two to restore the look and prolong the protection. It is much better to do this with varnish rather than with epoxy.

On another note: West epoxy has a certain amount of UV protection so you can paddle it a few years before the epoxy begins to degrade which will make it lose the shine and have a milky look. Wait too long and it will start to fall off in flakes.

If you only paddle a few days per year and always store the canoe out of the elements, you could skip the varnish totally.

For the interior, if you drag any mud or sand into the canoe, varnish would provide abrasion protection but then so would a piece of removable outdoor carpeting.
Jack395
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:57 pm

To varnish or not to varnish...

Post by Jack395 »

Thanks, Glen.
Every opinion and bit of information helps!
pumpkin
Posts: 59
Joined: Fri Jan 22, 2010 9:18 pm
Location: North Dakota

Post by pumpkin »

I assume you asked about a double blade paddle. I am doing a loose copy of one I borrowed from a friend (it's plastic). I bought some double paddle ferrules from Duckworks to make it adjustable, so they can be broken down for storage and transport and so I can use short boards. http://www.duckworksbbs.com/hardware/mi ... /index.htm

I ordered 3 of the stainless ferrules. They arrived quick and look to be good quality. One for me, one for my wife and one for my friend who loaned me the paddle (she has begged me to make her a paddle and made it a condition of borrowing hers.) If you know someone who has one ask to borrow it but watch the rental charge.

I think there are double paddles in the book; Canoe Paddles: A Complete Guide to Making Your Own by Graham Warren & David Gidmark. I would look and confirm but my copy is in the shop covered in dust. If I go out I might be tempted to get into trouble butchering wood.

Oh, varnish the darn boat!

Matthew
Jack395
Posts: 3
Joined: Sun Dec 26, 2010 3:57 pm

Post by Jack395 »

Thanks for the lead! I'll take a look at the website and will try to find a copy of the book you recommended! I appreciate the information!
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