I have a question if Color Preserver is required before finishing. I use Gudebrod NCP thread, and I have noticed that some of my guide wraps that I have done looked like they retained some of the CP. And after finishing they looked cloudy.
Is this something that happens if you misuse the CP? Can you put too many coats of CP on? I have read that some people recommend 5 or 6 coats of CP before finish.


Thanks for all replys
Brad Hetzel

First off with NCP thread, you do not need to use color preserve. It is only needed on other threads to keep their color, if you want to use it.

Hi Brad. I would GUESS it is more a problem of not letting the CP dry completely first or maybe too much moisture in the air. I am one of those dummies who uses CP until the threads are almost filled. I dont think I have a cloudy finish problem. You can check out some of my pictures in the gallery. I usually allow 4 to 6 hours between coats in a nice dry room(so. Cal is not known for cold and wet) I use Flex Coat but have used others with the similar results. What Mike is saying is true about NCP and also metallics. I also think CP can help keep the bubbles under control.

I agree Doc. It has always been my impression that CP is needed on NCP thread, not for color rentention, but to release bubbles. Something in the manufacture of NCP introduces lots of bubbles if you just apply finish directly to it. John

Just 1 good wet coat is all you'd every need. Use 2 if you feel the urge. But 5 or 6 is not at all necessary.

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I think the more coats you use the more your wraps will look like CP. You have to figure that after a while your threads have to be suuficiently "soaked" in CP, after that the CP is just building up around the outside of the threads.
As far as 5-6 coats.....It would depend 1) if you are thinning the CP with alcohol 2) how thick each application is and 3) what kind/size thread are we talking about (ie: a wrap on a #6 fly guide or a diamond wrap on a saltwater trolling rod)
I too have done exactly what you're describing. I suudenly disliked CP. After some experimentation, I finally switched to Flex Coat CP. I found that it gave me the most predictable results. And as I'm sure you know, there is nothing more reassuring than predictable results when it comes to brushing something onto your time consuming wraps.

My rule of thumb is, if when it is dry it your wraps look like a glazed donut, you have enough cp on them.