What type of black thread is best to use when doing weaves? I like to use Flexcoat's color preserver on all my weaves and open wraps but I've had problems in the past with the black thread turning milky. If I am doing an NCP thread wrap can I use regular thread instead of the NCP black thread? Will the diameter of the regular black thread make any difference in the packing of the design? In the past I used Holland thread but it is no longer available plus I now have to use size A due to the diameter of the graphaite blanks that I am useing.

I will say that NCP black seems to appear as more of a navy blue when CP is used on it. Regular Nylon black is a much richer black, but tends to show the "milkiness" you mention when any of the acrylic CP's are used on it. In our article on Color Preserver in the Volume 4 Issue 2 RodMaker, Ralph O'Quinn offered that the surfactants in the CP are responsible for this "haze" and that it is there all the time, but only becomes apparent on the darker threads.

I think you will find that a Urethane/Acrylic type CP (such as Gudebrod 811 or Epoxy Coatings SC115 or 215 and possibly others as well) will eliminate much of this haze. Try some on a test stick and see if it works better for you. I'm betting that it will.

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I use Gudebrod NCP Black A for all my weaves with A metallic thread for the weave threads. I put a little color preserver directly on the weave itself with a toothpick but nothing on the black thread cause I also had the problem with a haze on the black when using color preserver. Have found that color preserver is not necessary on the NCP black for weaves-

Flex Coat CP is kinda thick so I cut it with water and thin it down. Then I give my thread 3 thin coats, waiting about 10 minutes between coats

If you are using Flexcoat and coating multiple layer wraps you have to cut the CP with water. I have never has a problem doing this.

1st and second coats = 1/2 CP, 1/2 water
3rd coat = 3/4 CP, 1/4 water

Before you coat the whole wrap, anchor the intersections with the 3/4 mixture. Just touch the intersections with a drop of CP and let it completely dry.

I let the wraps set over night between coats. I rarely use full strength Flexcoat.

Thanks once again I've learned somthing by watching and reading this and other forums like it .A great source of info,even if you don't post a peticular question. Thanks Jim