Alternatives to Varnish

[LuckyLuca]

Evening Gents,

I am in the process of cleaning up and making usable a whole cane bankstick and landing net handle.
Is there an alternative to varnish to finish them off? The cane looks like it would be really well set of by a dull matt but deep finish like that of oil or wax.

Any thoughts on what to choose?

[Estaban]

I don't know if cane is porous enough to let the oil or wax soak in. Perhaps a matte finish varnish?

[LuckyLuca]

I don't know if cane is porous enough to let the oil or wax soak in. Perhaps a matte finish varnish?

I'm hoping to keep the finish "lighter" if you know what I mean?
The outer layer of the cane has been removed so hopefully will take something on?

[Estaban]

That might work then, warming the cane in the sun before putting on the finish might help it soak in too, but that's just a guess. I'm sure someone with more knowledge then I will have the answer.

[CWK]

Evening Gents,

I am in the process of cleaning up and making usable a whole cane bankstick and landing net handle.
Is there an alternative to varnish to finish them off? The cane looks like it would be really well set of by a dull matt but deep finish like that of oil or wax.

Any thoughts on what to choose?

I'm lead to believe that Jason White uses a lacquer on all of his refurbs ( not a varnish ). This takes much longer to dry completely but the end result is more durable . I don't know if he'd be prepared to divulge its formulation but he might let you have some if you ask him nicely ..

[Reedling]

Just a thought but have never used it myself on fishing items...something like, Linseed oil or Danish oil as used on outdoor wood/furniture. I myself use Sadolin on my house exterior woodwork to good effect and it does not peel. As I say it is just a thought. Reedling.

[The VFC]

A good suggestion from Reedling I think - what about a soak in linseed?
Jim

[LuckyLuca]

Thanks guys, I will visit a DIY place and have a look at there furniture oils.
Hopefully pictures to follow?!?

[CWK]

A good suggestion from Reedling I think - what about a soak in linseed?
Jim

I'm given to understand that raw , and not boiled , linseed oil is preferable for cane rods etc . This should be applied in a thin coat , allowed to dry and then buffed with a soft cloth .

[NiceRoach]

Evening Gents,

I am in the process of cleaning up and making usable a whole cane bankstick and landing net handle.
Is there an alternative to varnish to finish them off? The cane looks like it would be really well set of by a dull matt but deep finish like that of oil or wax.

Any thoughts on what to choose?

I'm lead to believe that Jason White uses a lacquer on all of his refurbs ( not a varnish ). This takes much longer to dry completely but the end result is more durable . I don't know if he'd be prepared to divulge its formulation but he might let you have some if you ask him nicely ..

Jason indeed uses a laquer, and like most traditional anglers on here, happily tells you the entire process and even the brand name.