I use 1:1:1/2, where the 1/2 is the varnish. I also soak them submersed overnight rather than adding coat after coat. I have noticed that storing this finish doesnt work so well, the solids settle out. Incidentally, this mixture is very similar to the Watco mentioned above. Ive used Watco also, and it works great too. Nice thing there, you can get it in all sorts of colors... How about a honey-oak Cedar paddle

: My personal preference is to epoxy the last 3" of the tips for
: durability and finish the rest with a 1:1:1 mixture of pure tung oil,
: varnish and turpentine. You can substitute boiled linseed oil for the tung
: oil and mineral spirits for turpentine, if you like. This blended finish
: is more durable than oil alone, but creates the same satin sheen and
: allows the wood to breathe. Apply it just like oil, wipe it on, let it sit
: for a few minutes, then wipe it off.