Has anyone used urethane, or other clear "paints", for covering thread wraps on graphite rods?

I'm wondering why this wouldn't work, in several thin coats, rather than fuss with "polymers", with their mixing, turning until set, bubble problems, etc.

Split cane rod builders use urethane, or old fashioned varnish, don't they?

Thanks in advance!

I have found that the fast drying urethanes set too fast and do not give time to release bubbles. I used to put a coat on wraps, just too seal and set the thread with. But it set so quick that it left tiny bubbles in it.
Things like permagloss will take a lot of coats to get a nice coat on. The epoxy finishes will take less coats, but take longer to fully dry - or cure.

Hello John
U40's PermaGloss finish will work great. Just follow the instructions that come with it. You have the right idea already that is the key to getting a very good finish-use thin coats and several (about 6 or 7) to get a low build look. Apply the first coat and let it dry for a couple of hours then apply additional thin coats allowing time for previous coats to cure to tack free. PermaGloss will penetrate and change the color of wraps so if you want the tread color to be what you put on use a couple of coats of color preserver first. If you apply coats to thick without allowing curing time you will get bubbles. Perma Gloss is very tough and will remain clear for the life of your rod. It is easy to use and will give you a light weight great looking finish. Use a good quality britsle brush and clean it well with a good brush cleaner.
A good way to stretch out PermaGloss's shelf life is to pour it into a new unlined 1/4 or 1/2 pint metal paint can after first having put in a #6 or # 8 screen door hook on the side of the can about 1/4 inch above the bottom seam. Place the lid on after pouring in the PermaGloss. Use the screen door hook as a spigot to dribble out what you need for each each application. I have permagloss that has lasted more than 2 years this way and is still just as good as new.
Sincerely
Joe Kassuba

His Rod Shop
Joe Kassuba

Spar Urethane works very well for wraps. No mixing, easy to apply, no bubbles, and has UV inhibators but it does take 3 or 4 coats. I use it now for all my rods.

Klass Kote is an epoxy paint. Applies like a varnish. I posted my latest technique a couple of weeks ago.

Thanks everyone for your suggestions. I'll consider all of them.

Bob, "Spar urethane" rings a bell. Is that what split cane rod builders use?

J.

John,

I use Minwax Helmsman Spar urethane. It can be found at almost any hardware or paint store. I buy it by the quart or gallon as I use it for a lot of woodworking projects as well as rod building. For rod building projects I dip a spoon full out of the can into a plastic cup, that way the can doesn't have to stay open.

Bob