:I use spar varnish where my hands arn't and sand with 220 grit where they is. If I try to use varnish or any other bright finish in the grip areas of my paddles it quits being fun real fast. I have one paddle made of spruce and one of yellow cedar. Tough hands have nothing to do with it, I work in oysters and paddle 3 or 4 times a week so my hands are tough. If you want to varnish your paddles it helps to knock the gloss off the grip area with 180 or 220 the 220 doesn't look too bad. Hope this helps. Bob