The Traditional Fisherman's Forum

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

Estaban wrote: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?

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.

LuckyLuca wrote: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 ..

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.

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

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

The VFC wrote: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 .

CWK wrote:

LuckyLuca wrote: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.