When the weather is too cold for varnish to cure within the lifespan of a small mammal, it’s tough. Varnishing is strictly verboten in the basement since I did a pair of snowshoes down there and it took a week for the varnish odor to dissipate. But I really want to get on the water and test these new paddle prototypes I just finished, so I made do.
In this case, I made do with an old bicycle box, an ancient milk-house heater* and a pair of kitchen shears to make holes in the cardboard.
No, I am not worried about the fire danger.
Yes, I have a fire extinguisher very handy, and yes, I have homeowner’s insurance.
With an approximate cure time of two hours, I’ll get two coats on the paddles before the testing tonight.
Respectfully submitted,
Canoelover
*I love milk-house heaters. Their rattling hum reminds me of heating the back of my truck so Ian could sleep in it as a kid. But that’s another day and another post.