Why varnish when you can oil?

blackening
Some of the rap on blackening of oil finishes comes from boats that have been maintained using linseed/turpentine. The linseed is food for the fungus, but some of the boat oils have additives that kill it off. Too, linseed has no UV countermeasures.



Varnish everything.





rj

Varnish over oil?
Thanks for all the good explanations. And here I was thinking “this oiling is so easy, I’ll never varnish again.”



Now that I oiled all but the pre-varnished seat, I think I should be able to varnish right on top of the Watco, right?



I love wood, enjoy woodwork, and everytime I get involved with wood in canoes I come away thankful for aluminum and vinyl. The Tripper went seven years before I recoated the varnished thwarts. Oil every six months? Oh my, are boats to work on or play in? Go vinyl, go varnish!



~~Chip


Have used spar varnish over oil
on paddles with good results.



How is your project with the split bow

canoe going? Just wondering…