Wood Sealing

do u only need to seal the edges for 1 ply blades?? or is it good to seal for all blades?

Guys,

Thanks for the help. Another thing I want to share with you guys about using the mini wax quick dry clean. Yesterday I went to the hardware store and got myself one. I used it to on my DHS dipper blade by following Tommyzai suggestion. I notice that the edge wood where the edge tape will go on it has change color. Is this what you guys experience too?

Does Richard say why he does not like it? Has he sealed any himself?

I sealed all of my blades (and some others) - about 10 of them all in all - and I highly recommend it.

Be prepared, however, that with light sealing it still won't 100% guarantee that wood won't chip off - my spare Galaxy T-4 had a tiny chip fall off after the very first re-gluing despite my sealing. So it depends on how thick the outer layers of wood are, how good is the craftsmanship etc.

For 1-ply blades sealing off the edges (heavily) is the must - however, it will stil not save you if you heavily bump it on the table. Perhaps you should also use a thicker edge tape (like this one, for instance,  http://www.paddlepalace.com/prodinfo.asp?number=MUTA)

The Stiga Oversize needs at least 3 coats. The top splinters badly, especially with glue sheets.

PolyU spray can.

how would you apply the spray? just literally spray it on? will it be even?

Minwax Quick Dry Poly U spray cans give a very nice spray pattern. If you hold the can about 12 inches from the blade, it will give a very nice even finish. When you spray, you should have the can moving and spraying as it comes across the blade. Don't point at the blade and push the button. That will get a heavy spot. Just sweep it across the blade, stop off the blade and go back the other way. Always have it moving when spraying the blade. I use masking tape to mask off the handle. I dont like the feel of finish on the handles. Don't mask the little wings by the handle. With sealing, they won't get dirty anymore. To let it dry, rig a way to hold it by the handle so the blade is "FLAT". Then you will not get any runs, no matter how thick you put it on.
Some of the blades I have done, I have 10 coats and the finish looks like a high priced table top. About as smooth as you can get.
Just a light spray with Poly will do the job and if you keep it moving, it will be an even finish.
If the blade has seen glue before, (not new) wipe the blade very well with alcohol and let it dry well before using the poly. The wood will have glue reminents left untill you clean it. A new blade does not need cleaning. Only one blade ever gave me any problem. The Willpower has something in the finish that refuses to let the poly dry.
My favorite finish is "Minwax Quick Dry Poly U Clear" Satin finish works well also.

Haha,  you gave more info on the spraying technique.  I took for granted that he knew how to spray left to right in a continuous motion.  Or right to left, for that matter.  Just not up and down unless you adjust the nozzle, but who really sprays up and down anyway?

It does look really good. Well done Chronos !