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.
A Time-Proven Finish, Backed by Generations of Experience.
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Originally made for Kids ‘n Cubs, it was not long before we were making our WaterColours for adults too!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
Blending the Best of Both Worlds – Comfort, Durability, and Craftsmanship.
While we prefer all the benefits of oil as a standard finish for Badger canoe paddles, we recognize that some paddlers favour the protective qualities of varnish as well as oil – and opt for a combination finish instead .
When we founded Badger Paddles over fifteen years ago, commercial combination finishes typically featured a varnished shaft and blade with an oiled grip. However, we believed that an oiled grip and shaft offer a more warm, comfortable feel in the hand. That belief inspired the creation of our signature combination finish in our very first year.
Thus, our hand-rubbed method combines an oiled shaft and grip with a varnished blade that begins a couple of inches or so below the neck of the paddle. This finish has become a favourite among those who value the durable qualities of varnish but prefer the warmth and comfort of oil. It’s now another hallmark of Badger’s craftsmanship, blending tradition with innovation.
First Generation Combination Finish
With Badger‘s first-generation combination finish, we transitioned between the two finishes at the neck of the paddle. However, Mike had concerns that the changeover from oil to varnish in this fulcrum area could present a clear weakness if the paddle wasn’t diligently maintained. So, just a couple of years later, we made a change.
Second Generation Combination Finish
We then moved the oil-to-varnish transitional area a few inches lower onto the blade. This addressed Mike’s concern about weak spots and enhanced the overall aesthetics, resulting in Badger‘s second-generation combination finish.
A Bit Of Badger History: How Our Signature Combination Finish Came to Be
Many years ago, when we first started selling our canoe paddles, it wasn’t easy to get in the door as most retailers didn’t offer all-oiled paddles. Most commercial paddle-makers opted for varnish as the standard finish – it required less hands-on work and thus was more economical to produce. Retailers preferred varnished paddles for their availability, customer familiarity, and price point.
But we truly believed in the benefits of an oiled paddle – for its protective qualities, comfort, and ease of maintenance. To us, oil was worth the extra time and effort.
One of our first ever retailers was Algonquin Outfitters – our second official, after Swift Canoe. When we showed AO our oiled paddles, the buyer was hesitant. Most customers were more familiar with varnished finishes at that time. He asked if we could offer a combination finish: a varnished paddle with an oiled grip.
That request sparked a new approach. Thankfully, we convinced AO to take a chance on our novel combination finish idea – an oiled shaft and grip with a varnished blade – which got us in the door and started a years-long partnership that continues to this day, now featuring our popular oiled paddles alongside their varnished counterparts.
A few years after introducing our combination finish style, we adjusted the transitional area on the paddle by dropping it down a few more inches into the blade, leading to the second generation of Badger’s trademark combination finish that we still use today.
From the beginning, every retailer who’s come to us interested in traditional combination finishes has ended up embracing our method instead. We’ve always believed in doing things a little differently—and staying true to what works. It’s a simple approach, but one we stand by.
The Rising Popularity of Oiled Canoe Paddles
In the years since, we’ve seen a shift toward oiled paddles, as more paddlers have recognized how easy they are to maintain – and the elevated tactile experience they offer compared to varnished paddles.
If you have yet to try an oiled canoe paddle, we highly recommend that you do. You may find it changes the way you connect with your paddle and could even help to enhance your entire paddling experience. But if you’re hesitant to make the full switch, you may find our combination finish to be the perfect option for you.