What type of finish is best to use I tried the Flex Coat high build on my first rod and did not like the outcome has anyone used the U40 Dura Gloss LS supreme if so how did you like it please help I am placing another oreder and need the info. Thanks

They are all good its. The problem lies between the worktable and the seat. You have to practice.

Why did you not like the outcome? Was it too "thick" or did you have bubbles, runs etc? I, like many others, use FC High Build with great results. I would be interested in hearing why it didn't work for you to ensure there isn't an application issue that would surface again no matter what brand of finish you may use.

To answer your question, I haven't personally used LS Supreme but I haven't read anything bad about it either.

Just my 2¢.

They all provide similar results as they are all similar products - epoxies. There are small application differences and you may find one that suits you better than another. But in most cases, you determine the result by means of how you're applying it.

I like the LS Supreme High Build. It's an excellent finish. Then too, so is Flex Coat.

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I had very few bubbles and the ones I had I flamed out with a alcohol burner. The problem was the epoxy went on so thick and also started to cure while I was still applying the epoxy to the threads if I want to do multiple coats should I stay away from the high build.

Justin try just applying to 3 to 4 guides at a time and make multiple batches. Some of the other finishes have a longer pot life but all the epoxies have similar results and each has its own idiocyncracies(wow big word for a pollock lol) Find one that works for you and stay with it. MY 2 cents

justin i use threadmaster lite and its great it has a very long working time and is very clear....i use lite build for everything i build no matter if its an ultra lite or a 100+lb offshore rod i just use multiple coats to get the thickness i like(i find the lite lets the bubbles go out easier)...to release bubbles isntead of using heat i like to blow in a straw at it and they usually come out no problem

Justin; Henry probably hit the nail on the head ! It appears to be your speed of application.The finish is trying to set up on you before you get all the guides covered. Try to be a little faster with your application. The speed comes with practice. I use Flex Coat Hi Build with no problem. When I first started I was a little too slow also. With that being said. You could also follow Doc's suggestion and do 3 or 4 guides at a time , then mix another batch. But you still must practice on your speed. Do the smaller guides first while the finish is still good and workable.

Also...to get more working time, spread out your epoxy on a sheet of aluminum foil. It doesn't give you *alot* more time but will help if you are using it directly out of the mixing cup.

You should be able to fully coat any guide in just 10 to 15 seconds. Get the finish on the wraps, then come back after they're all done and touch in any dry areas.

It may also help if you coat those guides on the tip area first. In other words, work from the tip back towards the butt. It's easier to coat the larger wraps on the butt with the thicker finish. You want to do the smaller wraps while the finish is still fairly liquid. That will almost automatically make things easier for you.

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Justin what kind of rod did you build? I use a butane torch for heat. I get a blue flame You need to watch how close you get the flame to the finish, if it is to close you can crystaliz your finish or melt your blank. What I do is I place the flame in front of my hand, when I feel the heat without burning my self this is the distance I keep the flame from the finish. I do this while the rod is turning on the dryer. It is essential you keep the flame moving back an forth. I you look at the bottom of the rod you well see globs form. wick off this excess with long stroks. Go to Flex Coat, they also have direction on thinning
Good Wraps Bob

The latest LS Supreme lite finish will give you a lot of time for application and it is easy to apply. Just allow for extra drying time. If there is a finish that sets up more slowly I'm not aware of it.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"

Justin there is a problem with your email. Check it for correct address. My email keeps comming back none deliverable address
Good Wraps Bob

As Stan has mentioned, the latest LS Supreme is designed to give almost an hr of pot life, yet the turn time and useable time is about the same as always. I was thinking of the myriad of times out there where so many people just have to mix multiple batches to complete a rod. I know its nice to do a guide wrap in 15 to 20 seconds as Tom has stated, but that ability usually takes years of practise. The long pot life is not so intriguing to the professionals ( such as Tom) but it is a godsend to thousands of newbies trying to get their current project picture perfect. And as for you pro's that do guides in 15 to 20 seconds, the long pot life in no way detracts from the overall time in the cure of the resin. It remains about the same.
Ralph