Canoe Paddle Finishes
Hand-Rubbed Oil
Our oiled canoe paddles are individually hand-rubbed for a smooth, high-quality finish. We offer a unique finishing process that combines the benefits of our special mixture passed down from Great Grampa Badger with our Badger Wood Oil.
Our all-natural Badger Wood Oil, part of our standard finish, is made from 100% hempseed oil. It has no harsh fumes and is even food-safe, which means you can use it on paddles, canoe gunwales, wooden thwarts, and more—all without worrying about harming the environment, including the lakes and rivers you paddle on, or the health and safety of your family. Visit our Oil page for more information about our Wood Oil for paddles, gunwales, and more.
Due to manufacturing demands, our specially formulated wood oil finish process includes Badger Wood Oil, as well as our proprietary oil-based formula, which contains varnish properties to better protect and seal the wood—without sacrificing the natural feel of an oiled paddle.
Crafted to Last, Finished for Comfort – Feel the Difference.
Hand-Rubbed Varnish
Our hand-rubbed varnish finish gives each canoe paddle a touch of old-world charm, offering a silkier, more refined feel compared to the standard varnish found on most paddles.
As a finishing technique passed down from Fiona’s Great Grandfather, each paddle is treated with 3–5 coats of marine-grade varnish, and then carefully buffed by hand to create a smoother finish.
This inherited hand-rubbed technique retains the protective qualities of regular varnish while adding an elegant, silky texture that reduces discomfort and the risk of blisters often associated with standard varnish finishes.
Varnished and hand-rubbed varnish canoe paddles are available from select retailers or by special order. You can ask your local Badger retailer to place a special order on your behalf, or you may order directly from us.
Tradition You Can Feel – The Art of the Hand-Rubbed Paddle.
WaterColours™
Another unique finish to Badger are our WaterColours™. Our vibrant colour tints are water-based, non-toxic and fun!
We have variations of Red, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Turquoise and more. No two paddles are alike!
Originally made for Kids ‘n Cubs, it was not long before we were making our WaterColours for adults too! Badger WaterColours are a unique way for paddlers to express themselves through their gear.
After being tinted by hand, our WaterColour paddles are given 3 – 5 coats of marine quality varnish to ensure years of protection and use.
Please note the depth of colour within a piece or between paddles will vary due the natural variations in wood and the tints used.
Available in Cub, youth or adult sizes. Badger WaterColours are usually made from Poplar, Tulip, Ash, and sometimes Sassafras or Maple.
Tradition, Reimagined in Every Hue.
Badger‘s Trademark Combination Finish
While we value oil for its superior comfort and tactile qualities we perfected a combination finish that pairs the best of both worlds. Fifteen years ago, commercial combination finishes typically featured a varnished shaft and blade with an oiled grip. However, we believed that an oiled shaft provided a more comfortable, natural feel in the hand, which led to the creation of our signature combination finish in our very first year of business.
Thus, our exclusive hand-rubbed method combines an oiled shaft and grip with a varnished blade that begins a few inches below the neck of the paddle. This finish has become a favourite among those who value the smooth, durable qualities of varnish but prefer the comfort of an oiled grip. It’s now a hallmark of Badger’s craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation.
However, if you prefer a more standard varnished paddle, we are happy to accommodate that request, offering a finish similar to our Cub WaterColours™ finish but without the colour.
Blending the Best of Both Worlds – Comfort, Durability, and Craftsmanship.