: I have decided to go for a natural satin oiled finish on a paddle to see if
: the oil can protect adequately.

Hi Ed,

Watco is great stuff. I bought a can of Watco "Fruitwood"
because it was on sale. I don't even know if it's interior or exterior.
It's not as pretty as a glossy epoxy finish, but on the water, form follows
function.

My experience has been that when you most need the paddle to grip
(Greenland paddles), epoxy and /or varnish will fail you because
when wet they are usually very slick. Watco grips great when wet.

Wipe on a coat, let it stand for 30 minutes. Wipe on a second coat,
let it stand another 15, and wipe off the excess. Quick and easy. Wipe on
a coat when it starts to look a bit thin. Glass the tips if it's a concern.
I've never found that a couple thin coats of epoxy ( no glass) had much effect
protecting a paddle vs an oil finish. If you damage an oil finished GP, the
good news is.... you have an excuse to make a new one. Ha!

My biggest complaint about epoxy / varnish is that when it cracks, and it
will, water gets under it and discolors, or worse yet, damages the wood.

Watco also does a great and "easy" job on cedar slat floors. See LINK

Tom