On my paddles, Ive tried both S-3 "Rot-fix" which is simply a very low-viscosity epoxy, and CPES.

When I spoke with the Rot Doctor about CPES, he said that I'd get maximum penetration in 30 minutes, and that the CPES is not designed to penetrate the cellulose layer in the wood. In other words, it is not designed for surface penetration, it is designed to wick up the endgrain.

I found this to be quite true. In comparing the surface penetration of Rot-Fix vs CPES, the was little if any difference. In addition, the Rot-Fix made a harder surface. I havent tried thinning it a little, but the S-3 tech support said I could do that, with xylene or acetone. I have thinned MAS with acetone, and it didnt have any trouble going off, except that it took a little longer. The acetone has to evaporate out, and then the epoxy will cure.

: A while back there was a long discussion of pentrating epoxy. Here's an
: interesting link if you're thinking of making your own.