Vintage Windmill and Wind Generator Forum

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

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.

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

Is it a single blade or a wheel?

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?

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.

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

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.

Thanks

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