wooden blade refinishing

[j carroll]

I have a 6 foot wooden blade that is still in good shape, but need a new coat of something. Is varnish or silver paint the best?
Thanks, Jim

[Wayne]

It depends on how you want it to look. They were painted coming from the factory, some white with red tips, yellow with green tips, cow patty green with red tips. I painted one yellow with red tips just because that's what I wanted. Usually prime them first. Non silver. A 6 ft wooden wheel is pretty unusual. Post a picture. Most started at 10 ft and went up. Eclipse had an 8 1/2 ft.

[Windcatcher530 Dan]

Sounds like your blade is off a wind generator. Post a pic !!!

[Linda Jacox]

Is it a single blade or a wheel?

[Kansas Rust Buzzard]

I saw a new old stock single blade Wincharger prop and it was varnished. I have no idea what kind of varnish they would have used for something outside in the 1930s or 40s?

[PaulV]

I bet it's a wind generator blade.

The two 6' blades I have appear to be varnished.

The blades I have for a Jake are painted silver.

Would be interested to know if the manufacturer specified a particular coating for touch up.

[j carroll]

Mine is off a Winchager 1222H 12 volt. I like the look of varnished but want it to look original and durable.
Thanks for the comments.
Jim

[Wind Charger Mike]

If it’s going outside to spin, I’ve used clear epoxies and spar varnish but prefer minwax polyurethane, gloss holds up best against uv.

[j carroll]

Thanks

[Kansas Rust Buzzard]

Hey Wind Charger Mike, what varnish would they have used in 1935? Thanks