As I understand it, NCP thread is suppose to stay the color that it is on the spool. I have been using gudebrod NCP thread and when adding finish the thread gets darker. The darkness in the thread is causing just enough difference to change the overall appearance of the rod. The rod looks great before applying finish and then looks just ok with the finish as the gudebrod NCP thread is getting darker. It only does this when I use regular non metallic colors and so far I haven't noticed it with the metallics. I have experienced this problem with NCP orange, sunburst, purple, and garnet. Am I right in my understanding of what NCP means?

I have never used color preserver on any of my rods as I have always used the NCP thread for the rods that I build. Do I need to start using CP for NCP thread? Is there something else I can do to prevent the darkening of the thread?

At a lost here and any help or advice anyone can give me to would be much appreciated.

Craig

Even NCP thread will change somewhat when you apply your finish. Regular thread changes the most and metallic thread the least. Try color preserver on your NCP thread on a scrap piece of blank then apply your finish and see for yourself how much it will change.

Lance

Craig,
Another option, which I prefer to use, is to use ONLY non NCP threads.
I personally prefer the look of the threads - after the color has been changed with the finish.
So, when choosing a thread color, I will do a test wrap, drench it with alcohol and then check for color. The final color of the thread will be very very close to the color of the rod as it is when wetted with alcohol.

Take care
Roger

p.s.
I also like the penetration of finish that one gets with the non NCP threads. The NCP style threads tend to keep the finish from penetrating the threads as much as is the case with the non NCP syle threads.

Roger:

I am with you. I don't use the alcohol on my wraps to see what the final color change will be, I use regular tap water. I have never used the NCP threads, but built a couple of rods many years ago using the brush on CP. I got some strange results. I got good results on part of the thread, and part of the thread looked like I hadn't used the CP on it. I had 3 coats of CP on this rod. I have repaired rods that were built using CP, and noticed that the finish really didn't penetrate the thread as well as it should have. I have always built my rods for tuff, and the pretty comes after. I can't figure out how the "tuff" part can be built into the rod if the epoxy isn't getting to the foot of the guide.

I repair a LOT of rods, most of them factory rods which do not use CP (cost/time saving reasons) and I can assure you that I have NEVER ran into one that was any more difficult to remove than one of mine (I use CP on 95% of my builds) wrap finish is NOT an adhesive and it's function is to protect the thread not to provide strength. Rarely does a week go by that I don't get at least a half dozen rods in with guides that have been pulled out or twisted loose or had the finish cracking/lifting off. I have yet to see a wrap that couldn't be easily removed by a little heat and cutting loose a little so I can grab a thread and simply pull and unwind the entire wrap and this is on wraps that have NO CP on them.

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!!