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Manzanita too slick

FiatLux

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I was fortunate to be given a used manzanita tree stand. I scrubbed it with bleach water, and then oiled it with coconut oil and dried it in the sun. The problem is that I scrubbed it so clean that it is now too smooth and lacks grip. What can I do to make it more grippable? Sisal string? Scruff it up with a razor? I’d like a modification that keeps it looking natural (no vet tape). I appreciate your thoughts. 9A65D948-43A9-4A9C-8D37-510BD4792B2C.jpeg
 

Mizzely

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I would go at it with a wire brush and see how that goes! You could also use a Dremel to sort of carve in some grooves. Otherwise yeah, sisal or similar :)
 

WillowQ

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I had one that was too slippery. My ex took a big metal file to it and that did a really good job.
 

April

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I've heard of folks using sandpaper as well to scuff it up and give better grip.
 

GreenThing

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I have a few branches on the outside of the cage that I keep like this just so they remember how to grip different textures LOL-- but for the inside cage, I've used my whittling tools to score some grooves. My only issue with scuffing is that it is harder to clean poops out of.
 

TikiMyn

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Manilla rope would look beautiful on it I think if other option don’t work. May I ask why you oiled it? Never heard of that before, will it preserve the wood or make it more easily cleanable?
 

FiatLux

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Manilla rope would look beautiful on it I think if other option don’t work. May I ask why you oiled it? Never heard of that before, will it preserve the wood or make it more easily cleanable?
Thanks for that suggestion! I oiled it because it was in really bad shape when I received it used. After I disinfected and scrubbed it, it looked dull and grayish so I oiled it to protect the wood and bring back the natural beauty of the thin layer of bark. I’ve started wrapping sisal rope around it and that is helping.
 

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Cool! Didn’t know that, thanks for sharing. Glad the sisal is helping, hope they enjoy hanging out on the stand. It’s especially beautiful wood. I have some stands with bark still so they can debark it but after that will sand and try the oil idea.
 

Wardy

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Electric sander will sort that in no time
 

WillowQ

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I personally think sanders will give a smooth result and you need the furrows or gouges like a file will give you.
 

Mizzely

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I personally think sanders will give a smooth result and you need the furrows or gouges like a file will give you.
Depends on the grit. If you use a coarse grit it will rough it up :)
 

Aviphile

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Wardy

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I personally think sanders will give a smooth result and you need the furrows or gouges like a file will give you.
Not if you are not to heavy on the sander and you use the right pad
 

Emma&pico

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I was fortunate to be given a used manzanita tree stand. I scrubbed it with bleach water, and then oiled it with coconut oil and dried it in the sun. The problem is that I scrubbed it so clean that it is now too smooth and lacks grip. What can I do to make it more grippable? Sisal string? Scruff it up with a razor? I’d like a modification that keeps it looking natural (no vet tape). I appreciate your thoughts. View attachment 428780
I love that you made it look this good and you have done such a good job it’s super smooth hehe :rolleyes:
I would one perch like that n my hubby sandpapered it down n it gave it more grip
 
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