RJD31
Here are a couple of formulas for a wipe on varnish from Mike Brooks. He posted this on another board a while back. [url=http://p205.ezboard.com/bclarksclassicflyrodforum:7083e]http://p205.ezboard.com/bclarksclassicflyrodforum[/url:7083e]
They may fit the bill.

A formula for an excellent, fast drying (cure time under 1 hour - tack free in 10 minutes) rub on varnish. Mix 1 quart Waterlox Sanding Sealer with 8 ounces turpentine. Add 8 ounces of a good grade of polyurathane (Varmore R10 is excellent, but Daly's Super Spar or Helmsdale will work). Mix well. Decant into a small 2 ounce bottle becasue this will kick almost overnight in a sealed bottle. (so...tape the lid shut with electrical or plastic tape!) Pour the rest back into a tightly capped can and refrigerate. Wet a rag with this mix and wipe down the rod until it starts to tack. Then, wipe it off. This is an off-the-shelf equivalent of Mike's Stuff and works just great.

This other is a classic rubbing varnish formula that dries a bit slower but is wonderful as a finish for reel seat inserts or rods. Mix 1 part each of boiled Tung Oil (contains natural Alkyd resins), turpentine, and plain varnish (Waterlox classic or Epifanes are great here). Cap in a can or jar and allow to set for 24 hours, shaing every so often. Then, use as any wipe on varnish. This yeilds a lovely classic golden "glow". On a wood reel seat insert, spun on a lathe, it will dry in no time at all and is just about the toughest stuff you will ever use.
Brad