> 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 I agree with David Walker,but question your use of cedar.Granted ,it is light,but it is also brittle,and may fracture without warning.Spruce is almost as light and is more flexible and less apt to break without some warning,hence its use for masts,spars,paddles and oars.