Are there any "tricks" for applying rod finish so that it makes a smooth, tapered, chamfered transition from the wrap to the rod.?
Thank you in advance.
Bill

Apply the finish as thinly as you can make it and do it in multiple coats allowing each to cure overnight, adding coats until you get your desired look.

DR

Also some type of hand rest to keep your hand steady so the line of finish is straight.

Bill - willierods.com

Duane Richards (DR) Wrote:
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> Apply the finish as thinly as you can make it and
> do it in multiple coats allowing each to cure
> overnight, adding coats until you get your desired
> look.
>
> DR


That's the best way I've found. I typically use 2-3 coats of Flex Coat Light and they turn out pretty well.

Bill,

I struggled with that on my last rod and had to ask a few questions and now that I just started to finish my third rod last night, I understand how this works now and it just required more patients than I was giving it.

I apply epoxy using a 200rpm motor setup and with it turning faster, it is easy and quick to get a nice straight edge to the epoxy.

I read someplace a while ago that wrapping masking tape or blue painter's tape around the rod about one to two millimeters away from the end of the wrap and applying rod finish up to the tape will give a straight, tapered edge.
Has anybody heard of this or tried it? If so how long after applying the finish do you wait to remove the tape?
Thanks again for responding.
Bill (in Reno)

I agree with Bill.
I apply the finish at a fairly high spin rate on the rod. I also use a bit of gentle heat to insure that the coating is reasonably thin. As a result of the thin mix and the high finish speed, the edges are always razor sharp with minimum hassle. No need for tape or other aids. The high speed, will insure that the edges are straight.

Good luck
Roger

I used the tape trick on my second build for some 3 wrap mettalic accents at inch intervals above the handle. I let flex coat high build set for 5 minutes before removing it, then hit it with alcohol soaked coffe filters folded in half to get rid of the tiny edge parts that managed to sneak the way under the masking tape that I didn't burnish down in the first place. Came out nice, and will be doing it again just based on my at hand results of rod number 3 where I dind't do it.