I've done alot of experimenting with foam core handles so far, and instead of using spray urethane I have been using a thin coat or two of the light Threadmaster as the final coat. It seems to really give a full luster to the graphite underneath. It makes the handle look like it has a deeper coat than there really is, just like the clearcoat on a car. More so than just the spray urethane. Makes sense of course, being that there is a little more clearcoat. If anybody can think of a reason not to please let me know, but they do look awesome! Just an FYI..................Kyle

the threadmaster will do fine. it will be more prone to scratches as it is not quite as hard as the urethane. the nice thing about the spar urethane is if it gets scratched you can spray another coat. i have several rods i have built in the past and used rod epoxy as a finish. i still fish them as i like the rods. they show their scratches and use. i just use it as a reminder to use other finishes. i will still fish the rods as i like them and they are for me.

That lihgtg version drys pretty soft you might have to baby the rod or the finish will get damaged, the threadmaster heavy drys with a much harder surface.

Try Diamondite!!! Extremely hard, tough and water clear.

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!!

I am also using the Diamondite and I am liking the results so far. Scott

I'll try the urethane over the threadmaster and compare it to TM alone, and also w/out TM at all. I'll check for scratch resistance and for looks. I haven't used Diamondite yet, but I'll give it a try too. Thanks..........Kyle

If you've read any of the post's below on Max Seal, this may also be a good alternative to spray spar. But I also like the Diamondite.

Bill in WV

Do you use Diamondite instead of spray on urethane? Or with it?........Kyle

If weight is an issue, you'll want to stick with a thin urethane of some type. If not, then the other options mentioned may be worth a try for you.

...................

Another way to hit a home run - The foam core is an ideal platform for the flocking process.

Just Flock It!

1. Regular way by using adhesive and nylon flock in normal fashion by coating and spraying described in Rodmaker or in the High Point Seminar Workshop Publication

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2. Mix matching color of flock fiber in adhesive and paint on a coat or two! Recipe 2 tablespoons of fiber per 1/2 pt of adhesive. Textured - ideal for handling slicky fishys!

[www.rodbuilding.org]

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