: The weight I'm refering to occured before it ever entered the water. The
: paddle tips are epoxy coated. If 5 oz.of thinner and oil dissappear, I
: assume it's in the paddle. I would imagine the oil would repel the water
: which is why you would do it in the first place. I know a few people who
: use Thompson's water seal or a similar product. I know Thompsons contains
: wax - which makes wood bead up.

Thompson’s water seal also contains some serious carcinogens. I used to have to dip window parts in Thompson’s for a shop I worked for. It's nasty stuff. I would not want to be handling a paddle coated in Thompson’s.

On the other hand, yours hands may be preserved for eternity.

Rob