Does anyone use Perma Gloss almost exclusively?

I'm working on a multi-piece Dan Craft flyrod using Perma-Gloss for the first time. So far, I have applied 4 coats on each wrap. Only a couple of the wraps feel barely smooth.

I can still detect ripples in the finish caused by the individual thread wraps.

How many coats of finish have you applied before you felt the wraps were evenly and smoothly coated?

Some wraps are actually a little rough due to bubble forming and breaking on the surface.
Can Perma-Gloss be sanded to create a smooth surface, and then reapplied as another thin coat of Perma Gloss, to fill in any scratches caused by the sanding?

I like the no mix feature, although I think it is ironic that it takes a so little time to apply high build formulas like Flex Coat, but they take so much time to measure and mix properly. On the other hand, it take so little time to pour Perma Gloss onto your application dish, but it take so much time to apply to reach a proper smooth thickness.

Patrick Vernacchio

Pat, permagloss is a little tricky at first.
If you have bubbles you may have put it on too thick or not let it dry completely between coats. the stuff outgasses like crazy and if there is a heavy layer it seems to trap the bubbles as it thickens. for thin a smooth finish i have used one coat of permagloss followed by a very thin coat of low build epoxy. it is hard to keep the permagloss even for the number of coats required for a smooth finish and this seems easier to me, others will have there own techniques. that is rodbbuilding. don't be afraid to experiment, also be sure to let the permagloss dry well before coating with epoxy and visa versa.

Patrick

I use Perma Gloss or spar urethane on all my fly rods and have never had the problems you speak of. What are you using to apply it with?

I have found that a 1/4" sable angular artist brush works the best. The fist coat should be be fairly thin and brushed out in one direction along the rod. Let dry at least 6 hrs, longer if the temp is below 65. I find that 3 to 4 coats with 6 hours drying time between coats produces a very nice finish.

Don't put your brush directly in the Perma Gloss bottle, pour what you are going to use into a small glass container, such as a shot glass. Don't use a plastic cup as Perma gloss will eat it up. The fumes from both Perma Gloss and urethane are hazordous so have plenty of ventilation and I would recommend wearing a respirator that has a organic vapor cartridge.

You might try applying the first and second coat of Perma Gloss with a plastic artist palette knife and press the sticky mixture into the thread grooves and wipe off the excess. This fills the grooves and allows fewer overall coats.

I pour less than a thimble full of PG into a 4 inch aluminum pie pan lined with foil and apply thin coats of finish only on the wraps using brushes with half inch bristles. I realize now that during application, I go back and apply another "thin" coat to each wrap about an hour later, probably too soon after the first wet coat.. Don, unlike Flex Coat, Crystal Sheen or many other two part finishes, Perma Gloss is far too thin to work with palette knife.

I get pretty good results with it and usually need about 4 or 5 coats on a fly rod wrapped with A thread. I don't mind if the surface still shows slight thread ridges as long as you can't really feel them with your thumbnail. I just want to make sure I have enough on there so that there are no bare or dry areas over the thread. I do want it covered. I don't expect it to look like epoxy but usually by 4 or 5 coats the surface is smooth. It's thin, but smooth, which is what I'm after on lighter fly rods.

I like to do what Mike has said , a coat of Permagloss or 2 , then low build FC , or LS............ Done....perfect for flyrods. Have fun, John

Got Fish ?

William and John, I primarily use high build formulas, but I must say that I do like the look of the the thin coat build-up without the resulting bulk. I don't know if I will adopt Perma Gloss as the primary finish for all of my rods, but by giving it a go, I certainly intend to use it again. I appreciate everyone's input, and I hope I get a few more before the thread moves onto to page 2.
Patrick Vernacchio

Pat. Try the palette knife anyway. I have been using it with damar varnish which is also very thin.

Don, I'll give it a try to the spinning rod I'm building. I like the minimalist look.
Thanks for the input.

Patrick Vernacchio

"Don't put your brush directly in the Perma Gloss bottle, pour what you are going to use into a small glass container, such as a shot glass. Don't use a plastic cup as Perma gloss will eat it up. The fumes from both Perma Gloss and urethane are hazordous so have plenty of ventilation and I would recommend wearing a respirator that has a organic vapor cartridge"

DITTO.

Four coats should be enough.