Does anyone have any tips or tricks for getting an even layer of finish on the blank when coating a longer distance than the guides. For example when coating over decorative wraps or over decals near the handle? I tried this for the first time and it did not come out perfectly even accross the finish.

Most of what I have read says to brush this area lengthwise rather than just 'around' the blank. Seems to draw the finish out smoother this way.

That is good advice. After applying finish to guides I make up a new batch of finish for the decorative wrap.

Hugh Miller

I use a brush slightly wider than normal, apply finish kind of heavy on the end and pull the finish left to right across the area to be covered with many nice smooth strokes as the rod rotates. If I overun the area I just wipe it off with a paper towel soaked in alcohol while still rotating. Getting a nice flat area is easy if you go ahead and brush it past the area and then wipe off the excess. If you try and stop it at a certain place it will tend to pile up there leaving a thick place. Constant slow even strokes with a soft brush will also eliminate any small bubbles. A fast stroke will leave bubbles sometimes.

Capt. Harold

Try a little heat after you apply the finish,then use your brush to level it as it runs to the bottom of the blank.

Mike,
I have realized a couple of tricks to applying finish to an area on a rod such as the handle. I usually start about an inch and a half from either end of the grips, and gradually work the finish up to the grips with a brush, making sure the finish feeds up on to the grips just slightly. Than stopping the rod rotation, I freely apply the finish from on grip to the other. Turning the rod 180 and repeat, make sure you do this quickly or you'll have a mess on your hands.
After doing this, I return the rod rotation and begin leveling the finish with a thin strip of plastic (spatula, old credit card, or something of that nature), working from the center outwards. You can add more finish as needed, just dip the plastic. Once I have done that, I reverse the rod rotation and repeat, making sure the finish is worked up to any edges that may be there, such as labels.
Once done, I apply heat to remove any bubbles and level the finish.


Give it a try, it may work for you....I'm pleased with the results.