Thread: Chromium oxide and balsa

I'd like to apply some powdered chromium oxide to my new balsa paddle strop from grottolord. (Thanks, man!)

What should I mix it with? I don't want to get the wood too wet for fear that it will swell or something.

On my leather strop I used strop dressing, which worked well.

Also, how thick should I spread it? I think I went overboard with my leather paddle, as it was a solid green when I was done...

Thanks,
Josh

I´m thinking mineral oil as they sell it for treating cutting boards but I am not making any guarantees that this won´t mess up the balsa. Wait for more opinions.

I'm using the handamerican stuff on poplar. It seems to be mixed with some flavor of grease. I'm not sure why you couldn't use a little water, just enough to keep the CO from dusting everywhere as you rub it in to the wood.

Heard a rumour that handamerican paste used a lanolin based mixture. See no reason why mineral oil wouldn't work though.

I apply mine dry, using it sparingly but I cover the whole thing. Seems a little like a waste now, after a month you'll realize what a small portion of the paddle actually makes contact. Don't forget to lap it prior to application, obviously.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

Seems a little like a waste now, after a month you'll realize what a small portion of the paddle actually makes contact.

??? huh ???