What Varnish?

[skondolf]

I'm pretty sure I saw the Formsby's tung oil at Lowes in my area.

As someone who's getting ready to finish his first bamboo rod, I've decided on Ace Hardware spar varnish. It's local, seems to be getting good reviews on the boards I've visited and varnish seems to be the "traditional" choice. I would've ordered something mail order but shipping costs were prohibitive.

I plan on using the baster approach (not enough headroom to do a dip tube) and plan on building a simple "rod drying room" out of scrap lumber strips, polyethylene sheeting and a 60watt lightbulb for warmth.

Not to hijack this thread but from what I've read regarding varnish, most people cut it when they apply it to the rod; anywhere between 20%-50%. I've got both naphtha and mineral spirits. Is there any recommendation as to which one to use? Or is there something better?