If you are building a bamboo rod use silk, other wise use the regular stuff (Gudebrod if you can get it). If you use permagloss you can toss your new dryer since it dries in just a few minutes but you will need perhaps 5 coats to get any buildup. It is your call if you use varnish, permagloss or one of the epoxies. They all work. It is a matter of the final look and what you feel comfortable working with