A Traditional Finish

Linseed Oil, Beeswax and Carnauba
The Secret Sauce and How to Use it as a Paddle Finish

Making a Canoe Paddle

Can You Do It | Choosing a Design | Ordering Plans | Step by Step | A Traditional Finish

If you’re of the sort that finds there’s nothing finer than the smell of linseed oil and the soft satin feel it imparts you’re more than likely considering finishing your canoe paddle with an oiled and waxed finish.

At Ashes we’ve been coating our canoe paddles with a linseed oil and wax recipe from the beginning; partly for its lovely luster, partly because we love its smell, but mostly because it aligns with our ethos of using materials of known provenance and sustainability.

Linseed oil is old school. It’s been used for many many years as a component in linoleum, varnishes, paints and putty; and as a penetrating finish by furniture and tool makers, and for rifle stocks, cricket bats, and paddles.

Unlike varnishes, linseed oil penetrates into the pores of wood where it hardens into a non-glossy surface. With multiple coats and hand polishing it’s possible to achieve a rich and deep finish that has been coveted by sports-men and furniture lovers for centuries. Wikipedia has a decent history on linseed oil for those with an interest.

Keep in mind that it takes elbow grease and patience to achieve a fine finish with linseed oil. The old recipe says:

One coat a day for a week
One coat a week for a month
One coat a year thereafter

There’s no way around it; patience is a virtue.

And as for the beeswax and carnauba part, you’ll need some elbow grease and dose of patience there too. If that all sounds daunting, many fine folks have used 4 coats of spar varnish and been entirely pleased with the results. So ’nuff, let’s get started.

What You’ll Need

120 Grit Sandpaper
220 Grit Sandpaper
360 Grit Sandpaper
600 Grit Sandpaper
Lint Free Rags
Boiled Linseed Oil
Mineral Spirits
Carnauba Wax
Saucepan for Melting Waxes
Stir Sticks
Elbow Grease

Step 1

At Ashes, we start the process by sanding the blade, shaft and grip with 120 grit sandpaper. This leaves the wood pores open enough to absorb the initial application of linseed oil.

The first coat should be generous and sit on the wood for no more than the time it takes for it to absorb into the open pores – 20 to 30 minutes maximum. For deeper penetration gently heat the surface of the wood.

Once the excess has been wiped off, let the paddle sit for 24 hours. Failure to wipe off the excess at this point could well result in a sticky finish later.

Step 2

Sand at 180 grit.
Wipe on second coat, once again ensuring that the coat is liberal enough to fill the pores.
You’ll find that the paddle is still capable of absorbing plenty of oil.
Once again, wipe off excess after 20 – 30 minutes and let harden for 24 hours.

Step 3

Repeat step two another 5 or 6 times, each time sanding with increasingly fine grit. At Ashes, we generally stop at 600 grit as anything further seems to trigger the law of diminishing returns. It’s up to you to when to stop.

You’ll know that you’ve applied enough coats of oil when you can observe uniform coverage after the drying period has passed. There will be no flat or uneven spots once you’ve got it right.

Step 4

Wait!
The oil will continue to harden. Applying wax too soon may result in a sticky finish which you’ll have to go back and remove. It’s prudent to let the paddle sit for a week or two before protecting with wax. In the end, you’ll thank yourself.

Step 5

The finish you’ve achieved to this point is not waterproof (or even very water resistant). Water penetrates linseed oil finish after a few minutes of immersion; obviously not ideal for protecting a paddle.

Linseed oil is also susceptible to mildew. If improperly maintained or stored a paddle owner may find their treasured possession mottled with black spots.

Both the water and mildew issues can be mitigated by sealing the paddle shaft and blade with wax.

Thus the need for step five. At Ashes we use a recipe made of mineral spirits, carnauba wax, and beeswax. The mineral spirits are a carrier, carnauba wax is exceptionally hard and sets the finish, and beeswax imparts a beautiful low lustre.

There’s no need however, to concoct your own sauce. Commercially available paste waxes or automobile waxes contain similar ingredients, are well tested, and will seal the surface with equal aplomb. I’ll leave it up to the reader to choose the product which most closely aligns with the desired touch and look.

If you do choose to follow our recipe, melt the following ingredient at a low heat, slowly in a double boiler. The mix is flammable so BE CAREFUL.

1 part Carnauba Wax Flakes
1 part Shaved Beeswax
3 parts Mineral Spirits

The result should be a soft, but not liquid, paste that can be rubbed onto the paddle’s surface. If the mix is too stiff when cooled go back and add more mineral spirits. If it’s too liquid, add more wax.

In any event, once the mix is cooled dip into it with a lint-free cloth; apply to the paddle, wait 10 minutes, rub off all excess, and then polish. And polish. And polish.

Repeat the application a total of three times after which you’ll have built a thin protective layer, protecting against water and mildew.

You’ll know you’ve got where you want to go when water beads tightly, and you no longer leave a fingerprint in the waxed surface.

Ongoing Maintenance

An oiled and waxed paddle needs regular care to keep it protected against the elements.

Re-coat annually.
Keep out of direct sunlight except when using.
Store away moist surfaces – ie wet basement walls and floors, decaying organic matter etc …
Wipe down before storing.

If you follow these steps you’ll end up with a beautiful traditional finish, with a soft feel, and plenty of protection. Just remember; patience and continued care is required.