: Can somebody recommend a good satin varnish that is durable and has decent UV
: inhibition? Thanks.

On paddles, I've been using Epifanes gloss varnish, then sanding it with 400 and/or 600 grit wet/dry paper once it's cured. It produces a very even, smooth and natural looking finish. Though it doesn't give the same appearance of depth of a high gloss finish, I really like it. You can adjust the level of sheen by changing the grit of your final sanding. If you change your mind, you can bring back the gloss by using rubbing compound.

One additional benefit of this approach vs. satin varnish is that you don't have to worry as much about dust, since any that accumulates will be sanded off.