Wood is much easier for paint to bond to than plastic. I doubt you will have any problems with the paint coming off in your hands.

> I am working on a Greenland Paddle. It is being carved from one piece of
> cedar. I would like to paint the paddle using a spray can of that high
> visibility neon orange stuff that I have previously put on my plastic
> take-a-part paddle. On that paddle, some of it scratched off initially but
> it seems to be stable now (what will come off has come off) and is highly
> visible. Is there any reason not to do the same to my new wood paddle. Do
> I need to treat the wood in some way prior to or after the painting. One
> thing I was worried about is that my hands will be all over this paddle
> (particularly if I become efficient with the sliding stroke) and I may end
> up with much paint on my hands and less on the paddle after a day on the
> water.

> Thanks, Dave