Sam,
Do yourself a favor.

Take your favorite rod finish and mix up a bunch of test batches - and thin the mix with different solvents, at different ratios - and apply the finish to old scrap rod blanks.

So a set of about 50 different ratios and mixes and apply a liberal coat for each of the coats, letting the finish rotate and dry. Keep track of which mix is which and which solvent is which.

Then, after the research is done - write up a report and let us all know your personal results.

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My expectation is that if you use denatured alcohol in any quantity - the finish will become soft and spongy and rather unsuitable.

But, if a "hotter" solvent is used like Acetone or Xylene, you will be able to use a few drops per mix and have reasonable results. But, again, if large quantities of these chemicals are used - I would again expect that you would have solvent entrapment and a softer and more spongy finish.

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To determine the suitability of an appropriate chemical to mix with a finish you can just mix up a batch of finish and take a bunch of throw away brushes. Take a brush - load it with finish and then do one wipe with a chemical loaded paper towel on the brush. The other thing that you can do, is to put about 10 drops of finish in a small batch of finish and stir the mix about 10 times.

A potential diluent - or thinner will quickly blend with the finish and tend to disappear.

But a poor - diluent - or thinner will just ball up and will not mix well with the finish.

Another test that you can do, is to take a small amount of solvent in a small cup. Then, put a lump of finish into the cup and give the finish a couple of swirls. If you have a poor diluant, the lump will just stay in a lump as you give the finish a couple of swirls.
But a good diluant will quickly chemically mix with the lump and the lump will essentially disappear in the small amount of solvent in the cup.

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Do the testing, write the report and let us know the product of your tests and research. Inquiring minds would like to know.

I am not saying a word - Have a nice day

Bill - willierods.com

Bill,
Nice to hear from you on this lovely Palm Sunday. Enjoy the rest of the year and may you always have a big fish on the end of your line.

Take care

Hay Roger I always go for the big ones And of corse if they are small - I tell a fisherman's lie ?? LOL

Bill - willierods.com

sounds like i have some work to do. LOL

i will do some testing and post the results here. when i get a chance. it may be a bit.
between fishing tournaments in full swing, a brand new puppy, and my fishing partner recovering from a serious heart issue, ive been pretty busy.