What makes NCP what it is? That is, why does it resist drastic darkening? What material is it? I've found rayon, nylon, polyester, etc. I went to the local fabric store and found a plethora of colors, sizes, materials, and a million other variables.
Steven

Steven,

NCP or Opaque is a nylon thread. Chalk is added to the thread before it is dyed so no light can pass through it. Opaque basically means that no light can pass through the thread. The chalk gives the thread a dull look. A basic nylon thread does not include chalk. This thread actually looks tranluscent if you hold a light under the thread. As a result, light can affect the dye over time and many builders use CP to preseve the brightness of the color. Basic nylons are bright whereas NCP or Opaque threads are dull. Everyone seems to have different opinion as to which they like best. Rayons and polyester threads are common embroidery threads and have silicone lubrication which is blended into the dye so it can be processed via a high speed embroidery machine. This silicone lubrication can be an issue because the finish does not get along with the silicone...therefore CP and a talented hand is required.

Robbie Smith
FishHawk Threads

We use CP over NCP/Opaque. Our whites are whiter, our pastels just jump out at you. Sounds like a detergent add.

Can't wait for Andy's CP. It's gonna be super!

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Thank you very much Robbie,
I guess I'll be buying some CP. I found some embroidery threads that come in a million different shades, I was planning on starting light so that I could find colors that I like with finish applied. However, if they have compatability issues with the finish, I guess I'll have to use CP. I have found that some transperancy isn't always a bad thing. I did some red nylon guide wraps with mettalic gold under wraps and the red looked just awesome. It looked like candy apple paint on a hot rod.
Steven