[alanesq]

I use a water based varnish on my bows (Wilko's home brand in fact)
I used this simply because it dries VERY quickly and you can wash the brush in water, but I have been very impressed with it
it takes a good few coats to get a good finish but each coat dries in around 1hr

I tend to leave my bows in wet grass between ends (even dropping them in rivers is not unknown;-) and it has never shown any sign of failing