Just finished wrapping my first rod. Thanks to all for the previous advice.My question today is when applying finish to open butt wrap does the finish go only on the threads? Also the wrapping went pretty well however had some trying times with the small guide wraps at top of 5 ft. ultra light Any tips greatly appreciated.

I cover the entire area with finish. I don't have any 'special tips' fo guide wraps - I think mostly it's just doing more of them that makes it go easier

You want to finis the thread and the exposed blank in the wrap! Post pics!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

As far as making guide wraps go easier, good guide foot prep is the single biggest thing I found that makes a difference. A dremmel and a coarse grit sanding drum are a good way to get started, and make sure to use some fine sandpaper or a stone to remove sharp edges when done. A beltsander is the ultimate if you have one, and I polish the prep job with a Unified Wheel from Bingham Enterprises mounted on a 1/4" shaft and chucked in a lathe. With that set up you can do a perfect prep job in a minute, but the dremel will do good to get you started.

The skinny 1/4" masking tape Mudhole sells helps for holding on the little guides.

For me, guide adhesive (flexcoat) is a must when dealing with smaller guides on the upper half of a blank.

Cart,
Amongst my friends, and within this forum, there are differing opinions as to applying finish only to the wrap, or to slightly overlap the finish to the blank.
This is one of those decisions you need to determine which method is right for you. There are a number of photos in the gallery to help you figure that one out.
I've done both, but I believe it is better to apply finish only on the wraps. I think it is more pleasing to the eye, and easier to remove during a rebuild. But that is just my preference.

I think the key to making a rod look good, regardless of how you build it, is to pay attention to detail, and consistency.

As for wrapping them little guides, especially on those skinny rod tips? Practice, practice, practice. And lots of patience.

Good luck.