I finished my new Rainshadow 843-3 last night - green blank, concept spinning, blue dun wraps w/ gold inlays, no CP, split grip made of improvised parts with decal and signiture on blank between split grips. Following observations:
Love PG - 6 coats gave me that nice light "eggshell" finish that I trust will hold for years.
Love Threadmaster - used it over the decal and signature. One coat covered, penetrated, leveled and looks like water. Interestingly, the decoragive wraps covered by the TM look darker than those covered by PG (neither used CP).
Not so crazy about decals. It's not bad, but you can see one edge of the decal where it went on the blank. I used a coat of CP before finish, but next time I think I'll write everything by hand. This was an adhesive (peel off) decal as opposed to a waterslide; I suspect the latter works a littel better.
I'll get out and do my test casting this weekend and take the rod to a conference I attend the first week of next month. The Pompano also need to be forewarned that I'm coming this summer!

Marty,Its possible even though you are careful to touch the end of the decal while peeling off the backing.This will sometimes cause it to lift.If you suspect that it may lift is it possible to trim a little off the edge after it is applied to remove the part that was touched.Also roundind out the corners may also help.
for some reason the 90 degree corners like to lift.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

"Waterslide may work a little better" There really is no equating the two. A water slide properly done does not show ANY edge problem. A water slide is easy to use and can be used to display almost anything. Your really should try a couple and see for yourself.

Marty , I have "burnished" the edges of stick on decals , along with rounding the edges with a sharp blade , and seldom have any edge problems ....................... I also apply to a base coat of said epoxy .
Have Fun , John . NERBS

Got Fish ?

I have crumpled and in disgust(with myself) more than a couple decals. Biggest problem I have is getting my finger prints on the back side and not being able get them out it not sticking properly there.