First WC and first restoration attempt

[Cheeseandbeans]

Looking good. I find card scrapers, also called cabinet scrapers, work well for helping cleaning up after the varnish remover. Some have a slight curve that fit the contour between ribs. I believe I had to strip mine twice and a few spots a third time to get the build up of old varnish off my 50 pounder. Tedious work!

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

I will look for those… I’ve been using a cut piece of flexible plastic cutting board that I sanding to a sharp edge..your suggestion is much needed!
Thx

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Here’s the latest… did a mini wash up to see how things are progressing under the stripping… after I washed it out decided it was time to remove the canvas to let it breathe, dry and look due hidden damage

 

[Woodpuppy]

Looks pretty darn good!

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Thank you… being my first… I certainly under estimated the stripping part… a bit to go… but steady as she goes I guess… cheers

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Looking good. I find card scrapers, also called cabinet scrapers, work well for helping cleaning up after the varnish remover. Some have a slight curve that fit the contour between ribs. I believe I had to strip mine twice and a few spots a third time to get the build up of old varnish off my 50 pounder. Tedious work!

Well… you are absolutely right… after a good rinse… the paint varnish was just the beginning… I now see as she is drying.., the original varnish that was on there… it’s spotty all over. I appreciate you sharing that you had to do it twice,.. I am definitely about to embark on the second go around. Good to know it is a possibility… thank you

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

Happy to help. It may be worth your while to find a hidden spot near a stem and leave the goop on there longer on a small test area and see if that helps. I used Total Boat stripper. I don’t remember how long I left it, but I do remember it worked best when I laid it on thick and it sat a bit longer than the tech sheet specified. Every product is different.

You are really ahead of the game with minimal wood replacement. It will be stunning when you are done.

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Thank you!

 

[Abenakiregion]

Have fun. I remember my first W/C canoe. Now I have seven.

Oh boy! Watch out! Wooden Canoe Bug is a fatal affliction. Before you know it, you have a barn full and a kink in the neck from driving by and checking out people's backyards. There is no known cure...

I'm up to thirteen and need an intervention!

 

[Woodpuppy]

I love posts like yours, I can show them to my wife and say “see? 5 boats is fine”

 

[Boatman53]

I’ve shared this before but it seems appropriate.



Jim

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Well weekend has finally arrived… I am now on the second go ‘round to get the lingering shellac and varnish off… also a used Duluth (8-21?) arrived today and I am reconditioning the leather..I can now smell the wood after the stripping.. it is a pleasant experience …. Thank you all for the tips and hints on the stripping… appreciate everyone helping every time I had a question
Cheers
Drew

 

[lowangle al]

Looking good CTC, wood canoes and canvas packs go together like peas and carrots.

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

Drew- I had good luck with wood bleach and teak cleaner after the varnish was off before the final wash to brighten up the wood. Scrubbed it in with a stiff brush, let it sit for the recommended time, and hosed it out. It’s tough to tell from photos, but mine still looked kind of dark after the varnish was gone. Red scotchbrites work well too with gloves on.

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Drew- I had good luck with wood bleach and teak cleaner after the varnish was off before the final wash to brighten up the wood. Scrubbed it in with a stiff brush, let it sit for the recommended time, and hosed it out. It’s tough to tell from photos, but mine still looked kind of dark after the varnish was gone. Red scotchbrites work well too with gloves on.

I was wondering how I might brighten up the wood… thank you. After the first washing it was a bit brighter, but as you can see, still dark. I will definitely use that to get rid of some of the mildew as well… thanks CB

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Looking good CTC, wood canoes and canvas packs go together like peas and

I am otter waxing the Duluth pack while I wait for the stripper to work… I have been using plastic pick tools to get some grit build up out of the bow. I believe I will be ready to wash this week and start on the inwales and decks with stripper, anyone know where to look for spruce stock to make up new outwales. I have a supply of Mahogany at my disposal, but would like to keep the weight down if possible… here is the pack as I apply heat to get the wax to soak in and the bow after some picking

 

[Cheeseandbeans]

I can get it local in NW CT, but that is quite a drive.

 

[Robin]

That canvas pack looks nice.

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

I can get it local in NW CT, but that is quite a drive.

I found a fella who restores wood canoes and sells them… not 5 miles from me. He has 18’ ash boards for the gunwales… so hope to meet up with him this week and pick some stock up

Hope everyone is doing well… hopefully some new updates this upcoming week… however I’m headed out to bring my son back from college this week… so time will tell
Cheers everyone
DT

 

[Crazy Trout Craft (CTC)]

Well second stripping of the internal hill complete.. washed and drying… on to the deck and inwales this weekend

Hope everyone is enjoying the weather!
DT