Thread - Gudebrod goldenrod (deep yellow) size A
Finish - Perma Gloss (cause it's easy)

Method -
First coat of both thinned about 10 - 20%
second and third coats of both full strength - pushed into thread - excess wiped off.

I'm sure most of you know the outcome - Gudebrod hands down.

The search continues.
Any other suggestions out there?

My suggestion would be to stick with the winner!

Mike



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 02/03/2005 03:11PM by Mike Barkley.

Scott. Have you tried Klass Kote epoxy paint? I am currently trying the satin finish. Curiously, my protocol is very close to yours. Have you tried using a palette knife for the 2nd application? I gave up on Permagloss due to the smell.

Don,
Klass Kote as a CP or as a replacement for Perma Gloss?

I use stiff artist brushes for CP
For finishing I have used a few things but for Perma Gloss I also use stiff artist brushes of different sizes and shapes.

BTW - the coolest thing about spiral wraps is the way it looks turning slow on a rod wrapping lathe.

Although your post said "CP", it sounded like you were completely finishing the wraps. K-K will darken the thread considerably, and might make the yellow thread go splotchy if used as the only CP. On darker threads, it give me results superior to varnish, which it resembles in consistency. I think a palette knife, when used to remove excess mixture, might level the threads better than a brush can.

I did completely finish the wraps - with Perma Gloss.
I haven't tried a pallete knife with the thinner finishes. You use a palette knife for Perma Gloss?
I'll have to try it.

I made a tool rest for my rod lathe - I think this had been the best aide for a level finish.

How does the Klass Kote compare to Perma Gloss as a finish? What are the pros and cons?

Scott. I was surprised that a thin plastic palette knife (Michael's) applies varnishes and K-K so well, even as thin as the mixtures are. I feel the palette knife has the potential to level the finish just at the top of the threads before that last coat. I use a foam brush for the last coat. It has been a long time since I last tried Permagloss, the smell just about knocked me out! The K-K is 2 part, so must be mixed, but the smell is much, much, less. You can use it in a hotel room. The K-K has a pot life of hours and dries clear and hard. No bubbles (at least to the naked eye). Thin as a varnish, but I use the reducer to thin about 10% for the 1st coat. I am trying the satin catalyst, which is pretty milky in the pot compared to the gloss. I will post my results. I like K-K better than any varnish I have tried because it covers in 2 (unthinned) to 3 (1st coat thinned) coats. I am also experimenting with damar varnish or linseed oil as a 1st coat.