I'm currently building my first fly rod. I'm using guides with what I'd call a dark titanium finish (not black). After grinding the quide feet prior to setting and wrapping them, the guide finish is of course removed on approximately 75% of the guide foot exposing first what appears to be a copper plating and beneath that the stainless steel base metal. Do any of you recoat the guide feet prior to wrapping with some type of paint or marker to cover the now bright metal, or do you just place the guides as is? I plan to use Garnet thread w/o CP so the guide feet will be visible after the finish is applied. I'm just a first time builder so I'd appreciate any and all comments from you experienced guys as to what would look best. Thanks for your help. This site has already helped me alot getting started.
Rick

If you have an extra guide try wrapping it on the rod where the reel seat and grip will cover the blank and see if it's noticable. If it is you could try nail polish or a paint pen.

Mark

I've used a black waterproof marker on black guide feet and it does work. I'm using guides with a similar color now and also using garnet thread w/o CP and I can't really say I can see any difference in color. The feet are apparent, but not really highly visible. If you haven't put on you grip and reel seat yet, test it in the area where the grip and reel seat will be.

I've used the black permanent marker in the past. The ink bleed through the wrapping when I put my finish on the wraps. Garnet is my color of choice for may personal rods. The prepped feet, with no CP applied, do not show through. If you are really concerned, perhaps a little flat spray paint on the prepped surface would stop anything from showing through.

Rick,

I understand your dilemma - that was part of my determination to find guides that need no prep prior to wrapping. Check out Snake Brand guides (link should be on this page). Best guides around in my opinion. Flat feet, perfectly shaped for thread buildup on the foot, perfectly balanced - they stand up on a flat surface, lighter weight than all others that I have worked with, and they come in all sizes, and a variety of finishes. Tip-tops too.

Sean

It's been mentioned, and I found myself, that the black ink from a Sharpie or other typical felt markers can rub off. I've switched to a Testors Acrylic Paint Marker (found it at a hobby store) and it provides a very permanent cover. They make an Enamel marker also, have not tried it. Both gloss and flat are available.

Has anyone ever tried coloring the guide feet with the powder coating used on lead jigheads?

My only concern is that the guide foot would need to be heated with a butane lighter prior to dipping in the powder coating. Not too sure if that's a good idea or not.

But if the heat didn't damage the guide, powder coat would provide a very permanent, uniform color to the feet.

How hot do the guide feet need to be to use the powder coat? I use guide foot adhesive so I have to heat them a fair amount anyway for that.

I would think that the powder coating would defeat the purpose and take away the sharp edge. Powder coating leaves a pretty thick build up and wpuld undo your prep wprk. Use a Sharpie marker and if you're not using CP put some on the guide foot, that]ll work

Mike

I also use the guide foot adhesive and I have a feeling it make take a little more heat then that. Might just try it on a cheap guide just to see, as I have not been too happy with using a sharpie. Unless you are intentionally attempting to put a heavy layer on, it should be no problem getting a smooth layer that is but a fraction of a mm thick; certainly thinner than the dia of size A thread.

Try the marker and CP and/or Permagloss method. Color the foot and apply a sealer to prevent it from being removed.

Jay

Now if Rick can find a "dark titanium-not black" marker...