> Knowing that epoxy soaks in anywhere from 1/16th to 1/8th inch, I have
> considered coating with epoxy and then sanding to remove all surface
> resin. This would give me the wood feel I enjoy (and hopefully no
> blisters), while the epoxy that had soaked in and saturated the wood
> fibers would bind them to prevent splinters and help prevent water
> absorbtion. This is the route I think best.

I'd be interested to know the secret to this. Yesterday I resorted to wrapping the loom/root of my untreated greenland paddle in duct tape because it was shreading my rubber palmed gloves. Tonight when I pulled the tape off, large wood splinters came off with it. Probably because the wood underneath the tape was still wet.

I'm leaning towards epoxy and then sand. Anyone else have paddle finishing experience?