I have not used a Color Preserver before but am in need of one now for both thread and for feather inlays. I have read many threads here about one or the other.
Does it matter if I use one brand of CP and another brand of finish? Is one better than another in regard to feather inlay?
Thanks much!

I have personally used the U-40 and ChromaSeal. I would highly reccommend the ChromaSeal. I had a few rods with the U-40 that had a milky look where the CP was applied. I am sure that I let it dry long enough before I applied any epoxy, but being new to rod building I still may have made a mistake to cause this. I havent had this issue with the ChromaSeal though. I also have not used it on a feather inlay.

Welcome to the 21st century. I was not too very long ago that there was one choice in color preservers, if you knew of it and could find a place to buy it (and before that there were none). Your question of "which" suggests improvement to me. None of the CPs currently being sold would be in business today if they did not perform well for someone. Each has its good points and some may have some down sides as well. CPs are among the cheapest consumables in rod building. Why not buy/try several and see which one works best for you?

To answer your question concerning compatibility with finishes, most CPs will work just fine with all finishes. Obviously, you should be able to expect that color preservers and epoxies from the same company will be compatible unless the manufacturer makes a specific warning to the contrary. Again, the best way to find out what works (best) for you is to do some simple experiments.

You can learn amazing things about what works for you by doing/coating some simple wraps and feather inlays on old rods, ball point pens, pencils, etc.

~Bert

Thanks for the tips, never thought of trying it on pens and the like.