Yep. Last oar I refinished came out great. Used Varathane ultimate spar varnish gloss and it turned out like this.

 

It was horrible before…splintery. You couldn’t touch it without itching. Used an electric orbital sander with a shop vac attached and sanded virtually all the old finish coat off. Took three coats with light sanding between with 220 grit. Friggin thing looks new. Don’t know how long it will last as I just did it this spring but it sure looks purty now.

 

Same. Fun pre- or post-season activity. Or on a sunny summer afternoon.

 

Nothing fun about sanding cataracts. Never again. I was itchy for days. Cataract recommends spar urethane or a clear enamel. I went with the enamel and seems pretty solid.

 

You shoulda used the shop vac. You can make any vibratory sander almost dust free if you take the stupid little bag off and duct tape it to your shop vac however you need to do it…. SO worth the effort.

 

Mine were terrible but we're a steal. I sanded them down and urethane spar varnish rattle can. 5 thin coats each. No runs. Came out terrific.

 

It's really not that hard to sand them by hand.

 

Yep, no 60 grit for your oar shafts. I used 220 after the first coat. Be sure to wipe em down with preps all or equivalent before applying your finish as dust or debris is no bueno.