Help refinishing fiberglass paddle shaft
 

I have two fiberglass shaft paddles I need to refinish, because the glass is
starting to show.

The outer layer looks like a very thin fiberglass and black resin tape -
very similar to catamaran tillers.

I can't screw this up because if I have to strip anything off, then the
fiberglass will really show through. Some kind of varnish makes sense, but
I'm not sure what kind.

Aside from putting on as thin a coat as I can, I'm not sure about
application? What would be a good cleaning and prep agent, etc.

--
Robert Haston
Satellite Beach, FL

"Robert Haston" wrote in message
. net...
I have two fiberglass shaft paddles I need to refinish, because the glass
is starting to show.

The outer layer looks like a very thin fiberglass and black resin tape -
very similar to catamaran tillers.

I can't screw this up because if I have to strip anything off, then the
fiberglass will really show through. Some kind of varnish makes sense,
but I'm not sure what kind.

Aside from putting on as thin a coat as I can, I'm not sure about
application? What would be a good cleaning and prep agent, etc.

--
Robert Haston
Satellite Beach, FL

I doubt very much the shafts are fiberglass, they would be too weak.
They are surely carbon fiber shafts.
Varnish would not be a good choice.
I would use a 2 part epoxy paint.
That will give you color, ultraviolet light protection and will fill in the
weave your seeing now.
Spray painting would be best, but hanging them and brushing would do, but
not as nice.
All said, you might just be as well off to buy new paddles, they aren't that
expensive.
Last I looked, Wal-Mart has carbon fiber paddles for $27.00
Epoxy paint or even straight epoxy, would cost more.
Good luck

On Tue, 04 Jan 2005 15:06:04 GMT, "Robert Haston"
wrote:

I have two fiberglass shaft paddles I need to refinish, because the glass is
starting to show.

The outer layer looks like a very thin fiberglass and black resin tape -
very similar to catamaran tillers.

I can't screw this up because if I have to strip anything off, then the
fiberglass will really show through. Some kind of varnish makes sense, but
I'm not sure what kind.

Aside from putting on as thin a coat as I can, I'm not sure about
application? What would be a good cleaning and prep agent, etc.

I used 2 part epoxy paint on a kayak hull with a similar problem.
Worked for me.

Brian Whatcott
Alktus Oklahoma

Just Us wrote:

I doubt very much the shafts are fiberglass, they would be too weak.
They are surely carbon fiber shafts.

Not so. There are dozens of models of fiberglass kayak paddles on the
market and I'm sure there are plenty of canoe paddles and other types, too.