: ....I'm sure very boring for
: long-time posters.

Or not. As a matterafact, I'm right there with you, still searching for that perfect finish.

I impregnate my laminated GP's with epoxy for hardening and waterproofing, plus armor about 6" worth of the tips with fiberglass (3.25 oz satin weave) since catching oyster shells is a routine inevitability around here. The un-glassed wood generally gets about 3 coats of epoxy, enough to leave a sanded surface ready for finishing that's similar to that on the boats prior to varnish. Best I've found so far is to apply a fresh coat of epoxy, then wipe it off with a rag just as quickly. Leaves a nice looking satin finish that's pleasantly smooth yet grippy. This finish wears to bare wood in spots, needs refinishing, pretty much annually (I normally keep 3 paddles, plus a stormy or two, in my bag at all times). I usually have a few repairs that need to be done by refinish time as well.

You'd think by now I'd have a better solution, but noooo. So I'm right there with you hoping to hear from the goo-roos around here. In the meantime, I say thank God for noobs.