I'd like to apply some powdered chromium oxide to my new balsa paddle strop from grottolord. (Thanks, man!)

What should I mix it with? I don't want to get the wood too wet for fear that it will swell or something.

On my leather strop I used strop dressing, which worked well.

Also, how thick should I spread it? I think I went overboard with my leather paddle, as it was a solid green when I was done...

Thanks,
Josh