How to Protect Your Oars from Sun Damage

In the world of rowing, maintaining the integrity of oars is crucial for optimal performance and longevity. One significant and often overlooked challenge is the damaging effects of sun exposure on rowing oars, even with advances in UV-resistant resins and epoxies. Over time, composite rowing oars can still be affected by harmful rays. If you have older oars that have seen many years of sunlight, you might be familiar with the effects. Handling a set of older, faded sweep oars can sometimes lead to discomfort due to the degradation of the outer layer. 

When oars are exposed to UV rays for extended periods, the cosmetic outer layer can degrade, shedding tiny particles of carbon fiber. Like handling fiberglass insulation, these particles can irritate and itch naked skin. 

It is essential to store oars in covered spaces to shield them from the sun in order to avoid this. What if, however, your oars are already beginning to deteriorate? 

One effective solution is to apply a clear coat finish to the oar shafts. Both new and degraded oar shafts can undergo this process. Using an off-the-shelf clear coat spray makes the process easy and relatively quick. The following products are recommended:  

• Varathane Ultimate Spar Urethane Water Based 
• Dupli-color 1K Clear Coat 
• Krylon UV-RESISTANT CLEAR COATING 
• Rust-oleum 2X Ultra Cover Clear Spray 

Follow these steps to prepare and apply a clear coat. 

1. Protect yourself from the carbon particles:  
2. Wear a set of sturdy rubber gloves. 
3. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear an N95 or better respirator mask.  
4. Make sure to also follow the safety recommendations by the manufacturer of the clear coat being used. 
5. Lightly sand the oars with a medium-fine grit sandpaper (180-220) 
6. Wipe oars clean with a diluted general-purpose cleaning solution to remove dirt, grime, and oils. Do not use any harsh solvents (acetone, paint strippers, mineral spirits, etc.) on the oar shafts 
7. Let oars dry. Cover or tape off the grips of the oars. It is a good idea to cover or tape off the blade and sleeve, but it is not necessary. The clear coat will not harm these components. 
8. Spray or paint the clear coat onto the shafts. 
9. Application of multiple coats is recommended – follow the paint manufacturer’s instructions on application of subsequent coatings. 
10. Let the paint dry overnight before using the oars 

According to customer feedback, a well applied clear coat can last for at least four to five years before needing a recoat. It is also important to note that loss of the carbon particles from the outer cosmetic layer is usually not enough to affect the performance of the oars. 

For more general topics to maintain oars check out this webpage: Oar Service and Support