How to Weatherize a Walking Staff
A walking staff is more than just a random branch. It can be a source of support for every journey; helping you gain leverage, keep your balance and pull yourself up any incline. As important as your walking stick can be to your journey, a good deal of time should be invested in its creation. Once the proper piece of wood has been selected, take steps to protect your walking staff from exposure to the elements by going through a process known as weathering.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Branch for walking staff
- Sharp knife
- Coarse sandpaper
- Fine-grain sandpaper
- Linseed oil
- Soft cloth
- Household wax
- Clear wood varnish
- Small paintbrush
- Rubber stopper
Instructions
-
-
1
Select a branch for your walking staff that is fairly straight and made from a type of wood that has a bit of springiness to it, transferring a bit of flexibility to your stick. Remove the bark from the chosen branch. Peel it off by hand or with the aid of a sharp knife. Begin with any large surface strips, peeling away as much as possible. Gradually detach any remaining and underlying bits of bark until you have completely exposed the bare wood.
-
2
Rub coarse sandpaper over the entire stick's surface once the bark has been removed. Rub the knots of the branch first until they have been sanded completely down and are flat. Always sand with the grain of the stick. Once the knots are gone, switch to a fine-grain sandpaper and rub the stick again until the entire length of the walking staff is smooth.
-
-
3
Place the stick in a warm location and allow the wood to dry. This process can take anywhere from several weeks to several months. Check the stick periodically until you are certain the wood is dried out fully. Inspect the staff to ensure that it remains free of any bugs or insects.
-
4
Cover the dried staff with a thin layer of linseed oil and then allow it to soak for 24 hours. Once the oil has had a chance to soak in, sand the stick once again with fine grain sandpaper. Coat the staff with linseed oil once more and sand a final time. Allow the sanded and oiled wood to dry for 48 hours.
-
5
Cover the staff with a layer of common household wax and buff to a high shine with a soft cloth. Alternatively, if you wish you can cover your stick with a layer of clear wood varnish. Once the varnish dries, additional layers can be applied until you achieve the finish you desire. When you have completed the varnishing of your staff, any type of wood furniture polish can be applied to give the staff an additional layer of protection and shine.
-
6
Attach a rubber stopper to the base of the staff. This will help protect the stick from damage through constant contact with the ground. It will also give your walking staff a bit of traction.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Select a stick that is strong and durable, such as oak, maple or cherry. Choose a stick that is the correct length for you. The ideal walking stick should extend to the height of your shoulder.
