I am working on a Greenland Paddle. It is being carved from one piece of cedar. I would like to paint the paddle using a spray can of that high visibility neon orange stuff that I have previously put on my plastic take-a-part paddle. On that paddle, some of it scratched off initially but it seems to be stable now (what will come off has come off) and is highly visible. Is there any reason not to do the same to my new wood paddle. Do I need to treat the wood in some way prior to or after the painting. One thing I was worried about is that my hands will be all over this paddle (particularly if I become efficient with the sliding stroke) and I may end up with much paint on my hands and less on the paddle after a day on the water.

Thanks, Dave