Paddle - varnish vs oil

[MrPoling]

Bringing this out as a new thread to increase visibility. I'm curious about this:

What's the best way to preserve the wood paddles? Is it like axe handles, where the poly coat is best sanded off and a few coats of oil applied?

I've always used paddles with a factory varnish shaft and grip. But I get blisters on long trips, so if changing to an oil finish might help I'll give it a try.

Thoughts?

 

[Ober27]

I gave up on varnish many years ago. I've been using tung oil with good results. I use it on the whole paddle, not just the grip.

 

[Smokey]

Bringing this out as a new thread to increase visibility. I'm curious about this:



I've always used paddles with a factory varnish shaft and grip. But I get blisters on long trips, so if changing to an oil finish might help I'll give it a try.

Thoughts?

I use both. I use spar varnish on the blade and Watco oil on the shaft. I tape off the blade/shaft transition area before varnishing. It gives a nice sharp line where the varnish ends. Then I oil the shaft

 

[kahel]

I have oiled the handle of my cherry wood paddle with normal linseed oil ...

. .

It works. The feel is smooth and soft.

 

[Boatman53]

All of mine have varnished blades and shafts and oiled hand grips.
Jim