I've been using Aftcote finish lately and like its working properties. I like the way it flows, and like that it's very clear. But now I'd like to try a high build thread epoxy. A non-yellowing formula would be my preference. I should add that I wasn't that impressed by regular LS Supreme so am interested in knowing if their high build is vastly different from their light version.

Thanks,
Jeff Shafer

I've done little with the regular LS; a lot more with the high build. They do seem about the same to me for working-wise; learning curve properties.

Hello Jeff,

I've used both an prefer the hi build to the regular LS. Much easier to apply then Either aftcote or LS regular. Usely only need one coat, self leveling, an very few bubbles. You can also aid small amount of heat to release any bubbles that do appear.

My favorites:
American Tackle Hi build - easy to work with / slow cure & set up time
Glass Coat - when fast set up is both practical and necessary
Classic Rod Coat - easiest to work with (most forgiving on 50/50 mix)

note: I haven't tried the newer finishes yet (AFTCOAT / PacBay)

My vote vould definately be LS High build. Just curious! What didn't you like about LS regualr???

Mike

Used just about all of them. Then figured I need thin coats some times, then thick coats some time?? So now I use Glass Coat. When I need thin coats, thin it, thick, don't thin. Tint it and make colored rings, all types of good stuff. Why have several laying around?? Works very well for me

Mike,
I found that with LS my finish, especially on longer areas like my butt wraps and inscription area, dried with waves. Yes, that's a sign of too much epoxy, but I also found that my guide wraps ended up lumpy, and that the LS didn't self level very well. When I switched to Aftcote, I loved it. It self levels very well, but is pretty light. While I don't mind building up three coats with the Aftcote, I'd like to try a higher build on the long inscription area (2"-3"). I will probably stay with Aftcote on my guide wraps, on light to medium weight fly rods.

Recently I pulled out the first rod I did with LS Supreme (and another) and overall the finish looked worse than all of the rods I did with Aftcote. So I scuffed it up and added a coat of Aftcote. Much better, much more level.

What has led me to want to try a higher build? A couple of days ago I added a feather inlay to a fly rod, over a thread wrapped area which had two coats of Aftcote. I added two coats of Aftcote over the inlay. I think building up four coats resulted in a somewhat uneven look (nowhere near the wavy look of my LS coats), and I'm hoping that less coats of a high build in the inscription area will result in a more level appearance. So I'd like something that self levels as well as Aftcote. If Aftco is listening in, there is an opportunity here....

Jeff Shafer

I still like to use Custom Poly Build - available at Fish stix and C& G tackle. Very easy to measure and use and not so long an open time as some of the others. Went through a phase with glass coat which is on the fast side too. Found the LS supr to have different characteristics of use but a satisfactory result and can be applied in a low build application too.
Regards,
Kenneth Prager

I still like to use Custom Poly Build - available at Fish stix and C& G tackle. Very easy to measure and use and not so long an open time as some of the others. Went through a phase with glass coat which is on the fast side too. Found the LS supr to have different characteristics of use but a satisfactory result and can be applied in a low build application too.
Regards,
Kenneth Prager

I still like to use Custom Poly Build - available at Fish stix and C& G tackle. Very easy to measure and use and not so long an open time as some of the others. Went through a phase with glass coat which is on the fast side too. Found the LS supr to have different characteristics of use but a satisfactory result and can be applied in a low build application too.
Regards,
Kenneth Prager