I'm finishing up a saltwater rod wrapped in my lap. I had to be very hands and fingers on while working with the thread. I'd like to clean my wraps of oils, dirt, and tape tack before applying finish this time around. Can I use denatured alcohol on black (or any color) thread without worry of it affecting the thread dye or overall integrity? Acetone is probably too harsh. Is soap and water a better option? Sure hate to ruin all that hard work.

alcohol is fine to clean up wraps. You can also test the color steadfast of your threads after color preserving them with alcohol to see if you have a bleed thru.
Terri.
ps just let the wrap dry before flexcoating.

I personnally only use Isopropyl. I havn't seen or heard anyone using soap or water, ACETONE? I've only had to wipe the wraps if some of my alignment marks are visible in which isopropyl removes them very well. I usually wash my hands if there real dirty, but usually don't give it a second thought. On the other hand, I wouldn't reach for the thread if I had been working with petroleum products - OF ANY KIND. I was told once that you'll always have natural skin oils even if you wash your hands. Isopropyl by the way will not harm or bleed your threads. Now I will sit back and wait for Tom to nail me to the cross.

Iso. Alcohol is the answer. Use a lint-free cloth & don't rub hard, just lightly pat... The best way to avoid is to periodically wipe your hands clean with alcohol while working your thread.. Wipe down the rod blank with alcohol before taping guides on & stay clean. Make sure your thread stays clean by keeping it in a closed container before use. Freezer bags work fine.
If you do get any "fisheyes" or areas where the finish doesn't want to stick you can wipe off the finish while its still wet and clean the area with an alcohol dampened lint-free cloth. Let the alcohol flash off for about ten or fifteen minutes then re-apply the finish. If you don't notice the problem until the finish is hardened then all is not lost. Lightly roughen the area with a clean scotch-brite pad, clean with alcohol, & re-apply finish.