I have used Cabela's Two-Part Professional Rod Finish for years with great results. However, the last rod I finished still remains tacky to the touch after a month. Does anyone have any thoughts on how to remedy this?? Another coat perhaps??

I have had some tacky finish problems too and considering all the advice I got from fellow craftsman on this site, I don't think I was mixing the epoxy enough. I use syringes to measure each ingredient and mix it for at least 2 minutes. Each time I had a problem, a second coat took care of it.
Good luck

Steve

I tried something crazy on my last rod, I read through the instructions for the Flex Coat High Build finish. They have many tips in the instructions. They mentioned warming the epoxy prior to measuring, I warmed the two parts by placing the bottles in a bowl with some water heated in the micro wave. The epoxy draws into the syringes with no bubbles. I'd say it was the best finish job that I have done on a rod.

Joe,

I would try mixing up another batch and put a light coat over the tacky coat.

Best of luck
Steve

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

If you'll apply a thin application of carefully measured and mixed epoxy over what you have now, that should take care of your problem.

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The one thing I dont get is the little round plastic stick FC sells and gives to mix their finish, it HAS to be the poorest mixing stick I have ever seen. Not only is it thin, it's round too, and does a terrible job of mixing 2 part products together. Get a FLAT mixing stick, mix for 2min or 60 times right, 60 left, 25 right, 25 left and you wont have curing troubles ever again.

DR

I use the Flex Coat pumps to deliver the right amount of part A and B into a Flex Coat cup then use the round plastic sticks that FC sells and mix. I have not had a problem using these products and I mix a lot of epoxy at one time. I just finished a ten foot surf rod for a friend of mine and have another one for another friend to finish. We are getting ready for the fall run of big reds in the surf. My friends supply the material to do a rod like thread, glue, and finish and I keep anything left over for my own personal use. I have less of a bubble problem using the thin round plastic sticks than when I use a flat piece stirrer. After I mix the finish, I pour it on a pie plate that has been covered with aluminum foil and get enough working time to finish a ten foot surf rod before it starts to set. I use a two coat application. The first is just enough to cover the threads. The next day I go over my first coat in order to get a nice smooth finish. I do the same thing when I use Threadmaster but on surf and offshore rods I prefer the FC High Build. I do not brush the finish on; I load the brush and hold it over the wraps, turn the rod, and by moving the brush back and forth over the wraps I get an even finish. After the wraps are covered, I use a long needle to put finish on any opening under the guide foot.