Hi all,

Like many of us I've been toying with use of decals. See [www.rodbuilding.org].

The next challenge I came up with was to create a "wrap", much like you'd see on bass boats, trucks, etc. I turned a plain piece of pine into a crappie rod handle using care to ensure that it was cylindrical. I figured it would more easily accept the decal without air pockets. I used a close-up image of a crappie profile showing only scales and a pectoral fin and printed it on white background decal paper. The decal was big enough to span the length of the handle and wrap completely around it. After it was completely dry, I sprayed it liberally with Krylon Crystal Clear. Again once after dry, I trimmed it out, soaked it, applied it to the handle and carefully worked out the air pockets. I used a hair drier to help dry it and ensure a good bond. I'll post a picture of it later today when I get home from work.

Finally I get to my question...I covered it with several coats of Classic Rod Coat epoxy. It looks great now but I'm wondering if there is a better coating that won't damage the Krylon Crystal Clear and hence the decal.

Hope I'm clear enough on what I'm looking for.

Thanks,

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

Not sure that epoxy is ever a good handle coating. I'd use Helmsman Spar Urethane in that situation. I'm sure others will have their own favorites.

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Never used that product before. I understand it is a marine grade finish but does it provide a deep gloss finish or more of a matte type finish, ala Tru-Oil when used on wood?

Thanks,

Thanks,
Chad Huderle

Huderle Custom Rods
Prior Lake, MN

Gloss, if you buy the gloss product. Tru-Oil also provides a high gloss finish if you use it per the instructions.

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I have used perma gloss over krylon clear with no problem but I think a coating of CP and then finish with perma gloss would give you the hardest finish. I use permagloss on my ood handles all the time and the finish is really tough.