Earlier I posted a question about Aftcote finish after reading references to "New" Aftcote. I received no responses so I began to wonder if I was the only Aftcote finish user.

I purchased mine last Spring. Does anyone know if the formula changed since then? And if so, can anyone describe the the change in performance?

Thanks,
Jeff Shafer

I haven't noticed any changes & I use it exclusively for guide wraps.

You could e-mail Aftco and ask. I tried the orginal product and didn't see any advantage over the other I had been using but I can't really complain. It seemed to work okay.

Jeff,
I have been using this finish on our saltwater and surf sticks for over a year now. It is an excellent finish with several advantages over a standard one. I have seen no changes in the formulation since the time I first started testing it almost 2 years ago.

Todd

There were a lot or rumors about this product when it first came out. The one about how you could vary the amount of hardener and resin to get different results was the dumbest. The literature and instructions that came with every kit plainly said to be sure to mix with a perfect 1 to 1 ratio ONLY.

I think the thing about the original not getting hard enough and AFTCO having to go back to the drawing board and reformulate it was also a rumor. It's not a very hard finish and still isn't. But it's hard enough to use and hold up over the long haul. AFTCO has always made good products.

To dispelled the reformulation myth a while back - they didn't reformulate, but because so much was sold when it cam out they feel way behind on orders. Or something along htose lines.

I have a pre-production batch, and it is different from the Production stuff which is being sold. I think that is why tehre was some mis-information about this finish initially.

Thanks Everyone,

I enjoy using Aftcote on the light to medium weight fly rods I make, though it's a three coat process. I'm considering trying a heavier build formula and since I like Aftcote was hoping they came out with something heavier.

Jeff

Jeff, you might want to play around with it more. I usually am able to do it in one coat and never in over two. I did a butt wrap this morning before coming to work and it covered wonderfully. What I have found to work well for me is to apply the finish shortly after mixing when it is still very thin then wait for ten to fifteen minutes and the viscosity changes considerably and re-apply and it covers great.

Todd