I am finally at the stage to apply a finish to two bamboo fly rods, but still haven't decided on which one to ultimately use. The rods are a banty and a SB 359-9 that will receive a new reel seat, grip, and guides. A wipe-on polyurethane or Birchwood-Casey Tru-Oil seem like the easiest as opposed to a spar urethane. However, what could I utilize to thin a spar varnish to make it a wipe-on to aquire the benefit of UV protection? Any input regarding experience with these types of finishes would be appreciated.

I just finished re-finishing 5 bamboo rods, 2 with Tru-oil and 3 with Helmsman Spar Urethane, not thinned, both applied using my fingers. The Spar looked good after 2 coats and it took about 5 coats of the Tru-oil to get the same look. Polished both in between coats with oooo super fine steel wool. I have refinished lot's of gunstocks with Tru-oil only and never had any problem with any fading due to sun so I don't think you have to worry about UV protection with either the spar or Tru-oil.

Bob

I've used both Spar Urethane & Tru-oil. The Spar is easier to apply (fewer coats) and has that nice, shiny look. For me, Tru-oil never attained that same glossy shine, but stayed more matte in appearance. I have come to prefer the Spar. You can apply it almost anyway you like and as long as you don't slop it on, it will give you a nice, even, glossy finish. Again, the Tru-oil looks nice but for me stayed more matte and took several applications (also easy to apply).

2 cents,

Tim

Varnish.

Someone on the bamboo site indicated that they add 25% spar to tung oil, which sounds about right. I greatly prefer Wipe on to Tru-oil or spar. It takes more coats of Wipe on [5 to 8] but the finish is gorgeous. I also finish the wraps with the Wipe on.

To John. The discussion was at classic fly rod forum under restoration, then Tung oil topic. Reviewing the thread, some folks use 1/3 spar, 1/3 tung, and 1/3 mineral spirits. One fellow uses 1/4 spar to 3/4 tung and driers in an unspecified amount. There is a picture of a rod finished with tung to give you an idea of how that finish works. Wipe on poly looks the same. There is also a discussion of Penetrol as a thinner. Don

A dipped varnish finish is by far the best. Varnish is the traditional finish. If you would like some hints on a cheap-effecient dip tank that you can make for less than $10.00 email me privately @ mrparramoure@yahoo.com. A dipped rod would have been finished by now! End of conversation, Do-Wa. Brushing, finger applied, cloth wipe on, all leave marks. Lines that you will see. Even dipping can be tricky, but it is much more even.

Tight Lines to all ~ ~