I have an “oldie but goodie” wooden extension ladder that I would like to preserve
for continued use.. Does anyone have any suggestion?
Also, I would like to apply a finish to my” masonite” secondary, only occasionly used
storage cabinet top to minimize scratching, exp’. and cont’. etc’. Any thoughts?
Replies
Hang your ladder up in a dry, unheated place. In a heated building, the rungs may dry out too much and become loose. You don't have to do anything else. Whatever you do, don't paint it. Painting ladders is a dangerous practice as the paint might conceal defects and may also make the rungs slippery. I have , on one occasion, applied linseed oil to a wooden ladder but I don't think it helped and it looked hidious as it was an old one.
Edited 7/9/2007 8:19 am ET by wdrite
As the other poster said -- don't paint it. If you feel a need to protect it (more than just keeping it off the ground, and dry) then you could brush it with "Copper Brown" wood preservative.
It's a copper-based preserver that goes a long way toward preventing mold, bacteria, and bugs from getting into the wood. But it does not form a film like paint or varnish -- so you will still be able to see cracks as they develop.
Most of the hojme centers have it or can get it.
Politics is the antithesis of problem solving.
Keep it out of the sun and rain as much as possible and off the ground and under cover when it is stored. Treat it with any penetrating oil finish meant for decks.
John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine
I always insert three alltread bolts under the top.middle and lower step.
It is my insurance against "surprises" such as excessive drying separating the steps from the sides.
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