I am trying to achieve the totally clear guide wraps using white silk and epoxy. My test with Gudebrod 002 white silk and Threadmaster has turned out disappointing as there are trapped minute bubbles in the silk.

I thinned the Threadmaster with Denatured alcohol not quite to "water thin."

Do I need to change thread, the epoxy, both or the process to get water clear wraps.

Suggestions appreciated.

Acetone is a better solvent for that use.

I think you're going to have to use something like varnish or PermaGloss, followed by epoxy, to get what you're after.

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One of the most astonishing examples of "clear" thread wrap is exhibited on the Castaway, a board sponsor, Camo Rod Series. Take a look at the link and scrool down the page to view a guide on the blank wrapped with nylon thread and finished with Flexcoat products. All the Castaway staff is working a large professional fishing tournament at Lake Conroe. I will contact them on Monday and see how much detail they will release on how this appearance is obtained.

[www.tackletour.com]

Visit the Swampland site to view new products.

[www.swamplandtackle.com]

Jim Gamble has had good success. Do a search - I think he described his method a bit ago. Also put some photos on the photo page if I recall correctly.

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Phil,
You can use the invisible or clear nylon sewing thread to easily achieve this clear result.
Simply wrap with the clear nylon sewing thread, and coat conventionally.

Good luck
Roger

Thanks to all for your responses. After close examination under magnification, I can see that the Thread is holding almost microscopic bubbles, I suspect it is due to the thread size and twist.

I am going to try the Perma Gloss as suggested by Tom and have some Pearsall's Gossamer thread on order in case that doesn't work.

Will advise when I have found the solution.

The bubbles are due to the lack of saturation AND the speed of drying. Cut the finish more and stay with two part epoxy .... TM Lite will work very well. This photo is using Gudebrod 00 White Silk.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

BTW, the use of Gossamer or Naples will definitely give you the results more easily, since they are finer threads.

Thanks Jim, what do you cut the epoxy with? Acetone or Alcohol?

DNA ... it allows for slower drying.

I tied Perma Gloss and it did not work. In fact it acted like color preserver and the silk remained totally white, no transparency at all.

So I will wait for the Gossamer silk.

Phil Erickson Wrote:
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> I tied Perma Gloss and it did not work. In fact
> it acted like color preserver and the silk
> remained totally white, no transparency at all.


Because in its factory state, it dries too quickly ... incomplete saturation AND air gets trapped.

To: Jim Gamble
Can you tell me the rod coloration and the guides shown in your 10/16 listing?
thanks

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

John Repaci Wrote:
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> To: Jim Gamble
> Can you tell me the rod coloration and the guides
> shown in your 10/16 listing?
> thanks

St Croix SC2 Inshore and Fuji Polished Chrome Alconite.

Thanks, Jim

"It ain't what you don't know that gets you into trouble.It's what you know for sure that just ain't so." Mark Twain
John in Wethersfield, CT

Jim ...... are you cutting the TM lite and is so how much ........

Jim, Do you think the 00 silk will handle 30+ pound fish? I think this would look awesome on a st. croix sc4 musky rod, but im not sure about durability.

Richard - I do cut the TM Lite, significantly.

Jason - I am POSITIVE, it will handle 30# fish - since I have caught fish over 100# using it. Silk is incredibly strong ... think parachutes and spider webs.

Thanks Jim ........... but do you have any guidelines ........... do you cut it about 50% ...... 30% ......... should the consistancy be waterlike or buttermilk ......... just trying to get an idea because I was going o try it ........ Thanks in advance for anything you can share ..........

If you're used to size A nylon, Gossamer will make you crazy. Size 100 YLI is almost as fine, but easier to work with. If you can find it in Natural it will make an absolutely clear wrap when coated with FlexCoat Lite thinned with denatured alcohol. White works,too, but is sensitive to some finishes, Diamondite makes it have a bluish haze when the finish dries that is really unpleasant, again, FCL thinned with alcohol seems to work best. I have no experience with Threadmaster, so you'll have to do your own experiments there.
john

Finally have success! Using Pearsalls Gossemer silk and thinning the Threadmaster to water like consistency with DNA. Wraps are clear as glass!