Shaw and Tenney oars and paddles are built to last a lifetime—or longer—but like any fine wooden tool, they need a little care along the way. One of the best things you can do to preserve their strength and beauty is a yearly touch-up with marine-grade varnish. Whether you're gearing up for another season or giving your gear a little off-season TLC, here’s a simple step-by-step guide to revarnishing your oars or paddles.
What You’ll Need
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220 and 400 grit sandpaper
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Tack cloth or clean lint-free rag
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Marine-grade spar varnish (we recommend a high-quality brand like Epifanes or Total Boat)
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Natural-bristle brush or foam brush
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Mineral spirits (for thinning varnish and cleaning brushes)
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Painter’s tape (optional)
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Gloves and a well-ventilated workspace
Step 1: Clean and Inspect
Start by giving your oars or paddles a quick once-over. Wipe off any dirt, salt, or mildew with a damp rag and let them dry completely. Check for cracks, dents, or areas where the finish has worn thin. Minor surface wear is totally normal and the reason we revarnish!
Step 2: Light Sanding
Using 220-grit sandpaper, gently sand the entire surface of the oar or paddle. You’re not trying to strip it down to bare wood—just scuff the surface enough so the new varnish will adhere well. Pay extra attention to worn or gray areas, and feather the edges where varnish has chipped or peeled.
After sanding, wipe everything down with a tack cloth or clean rag to remove all dust.
Step 3: Apply Varnish
Prepare the Surface: Wipe down the oars with a damp cloth to remove any sanding dust. This will ensure a clean and dust-free surface for varnish application.
Stir the Varnish: Do NOT shake the varnish can. Gently stir to avoid creating air bubbles. You may want to thin the first coat or two of varnish per the manufacturer's instructions.
Apply the First Coat: Using your chosen brush, apply a thin, even coat of varnish to the oar or paddle (but NOT the handle). Start from one end and work your way to the other, following the wood grain. Allow this coat to dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, and be mindful of drips and runs.
We recommend leaving wooden handles free from varnish (see our post on the Unvarnished Advantage for detailed info). Leaving the handles unvarnished also allows you to hang the oars or paddle from the handle to allow them to dry with out ruining the finish. Allow 12-24 hours for the varnish to cure, per the manufacturer's instructions.
Sand Between Coats: Once the first coat is dry, lightly sand the surface with 400-grit sandpaper. This light scuffing helps the subsequent coats adhere better. Wipe away any sanding dust before applying the next coat of varnish.
Build Up Coats: Repeat the varnish application and sanding process for 3-4 more coats, or until you achieve the desired level of shine. Allow each coat to dry thoroughly before applying the next. The more coats you can put on, the longer you can go without varnishing again. It is not unheard of to put seven or eight coats on.
Step 4: Cure and Store
Once your final coat is dry, allow the oars or paddles to cure for several days in a well-ventilated space out of direct sunlight. After that, they're ready for another season on the water, or to hang proudly on the wall until your next adventure.
A Note on Oil-Finished Paddles
Some Shaw and Tenney paddles come with an oil finish instead of varnish. These should not be revarnished. Instead, reapply boiled linseed oil or a marine-grade penetrating oil as needed to maintain the finish. Pay particular attention to the end of the blade, as this end-grain is more likely to both sustain damage, have the finish wear off, and lead to more serious damage.
A Tradition Worth Preserving
There’s something special about maintaining your own oars or paddles, about taking part in the care and keeping of a tool that was made to last. A little yearly maintenance keeps them strong, beautiful, and ready to carry you across the water for generations.
