Hey fellas...

Just a poll to see how many coats you experts apply. I've been using 3 coats on pretty much everything I've built as per the tutulage of my teacher but recently I read an article and this guy (name escapes me now) says that 2 is more than enough.

Just curious to what your thoughts are...???

BTW, the diamond wrap worked out very well although it took me an hour to pop and make sure there were no air bubbles after the first coat...it looks dynamite!

Thanks again,

Brendan

That all depends on how great the depth or thickness of each application is. I use one.

........

Also would depend on what you are using. LS regular, I usually need 2 LS High build would cover a broom stick in one with a beautiful coat (it can also be applied in thin coats). Different finishes have different viscosities

Mike

Brendan,
With a High Build finish, you should be able to cover the wraps with one coat. Glass Coat is ideal for this purpose and great for butt wraps, though it may take another application of any finish if you have a build up of thread layers on some mutli threaded butt wraps.

Rich Garbowski

If I can't get a rod done in one coat, I goofed up.

Putter

All of my rods are done in one coat. I have never seen any need for more.

Gerald Mc

When I use a high build finish such as Flex Coat High build, one coat can acheive the depth and coating that I prefer. When using low build or very thin finishes, two to three coats get the effect I am wanting. On some threat art, it takes more than that even, but I put on SUPER thin coats at that point because I don't want it any deeper of a coating than needed (just personal preference I guess).

steve

How should I determine whether or not one coat is enough? I have been using two of LS Supreme just because the directions mention a second coat when using heavier threads. I am using size A.

Something to think about for sure...great replies, as always!

Usually 2 coats with FC Lite, sometimes 3.

Wow...seeing all you with just one coat of highbuild makes me want to experiment. A great time saver.

RB

I use 1 coat of regular Flex Coat or 4-6 coats of Gudebrod 822 water-based 1 part rod varnish. Which one I choose depends on things like 1) If it's for me or someone else; and 2) how soon the rod needs to be done. I have begun finishing most of my personal rods in the Gudebrod because I am restless and often (especially in the winter) strip and rewrap a rod. The Gudebrod is easier to slice and clean off the blank.

Also, if you build a rod as a prototype/experimental rod, better to use less than more finish. That way, if you like the way it turned out, you can add a final coat later after all the testing is done. If you don't like the way it turned out, it'll be easier to strip and redo.

Just a couple things to consider from my perspective.

Brendan,

With std high builds with practice you will find that one coat will do the job well.

It is not that difficult to gauge the amount of high build to slap on depending on whether it's a fly guide wrap or a fancy butt wrap.

I like one coat also for the reason that you are less likely to get fish eye problems and you lessen the number of opportunities for fine airbourne hairs to settle into your setting finish.

cheers
Mike Oliver