Actually, a color question. I Thought I would add some Orange (Univ of TN) to a rod I was building for my son - bought CP orange. When I tested it on some scrap, it turned a light oak color after the FlexCoat - very nice color and sheen, but NOT orange. If I use NCP Orange will it retain it's UT Orange color?

Second part of the question - I really like the CP Orange (light oak) after the Flex Coat - what other colors can I get from CP thread that change colors after coating? Is there a chart somewhere?

Cheers

The dark color of the blank is going to bleed through all light thread colors as you've found out. The effect won't be as great with NCP but you won't be able to see the sheen and character of the individual threads either like you can with the regular thread. NCP thread will give you a solid or "painted-on" look. You can try painting the blank white where you intend to wrap your orange color or do an underwrap of white thread, apply finish (allow to dry) and overwrap with orange. Try it out on your scrap blank first since you've got one.

You will also find that South Carolina Gamecock garnet and blank, Georgia Bulldog red and black, the crimson of Alabama, the blues of Florida and Auburn and most other SEC colors will not fade like that orange will.

A method I use to determine what a wrap will look like: wrap your blank with the thread you think you want to use on an area of the blank that will be covered by your grip. Apply CP over the wrap if you intend to use it and let it dry. Apply a little bit of cooking oil or olive oil on the wrap - that's exact;y what it's going to look like when the epoxy is applied. Be very careful not to contaminate your work area or tools with the oil.

Another way to tell what the final color of regular "CP: thread will be is to wrap a guide, and wet the thread well with alcohol.
It will work quickly, and dry without leaving a noticable residue.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

Being in Austin I get quite a few request for UT(Texas) rods. What I have been doing is using Gudebrod NCP white and nylon Sunburst. I have come to the conclusion taht Color Prot. is pretty important. Of course painting the blank is also and option but never really likes messing with. I use a white underwrap for the butt wraps and just make sure my guide wrap are packed as tight as possible. You are correct int hat the shine and luster fo the sunburst is compromised but it definately stands out to match the burnt orange colors. Good luck.

The brightest orange that I have ever used is Madeira #1947. It must be used with color preserver and very well packed, but it looks great when you are finished.

Thanks for all the info, Gents. Very appreciated. I tried the white underwrap and it worked much better. I'm waiting for some white paint to cure then I'll try that as well. Looks like I have to do some thread buying for the rest of my testing.

Cheers, God Bless and keep it wet!

Walt

Once you have determined your guide placement it is really quite simple and quick to mask your blank and spray paint it with Krylon or the equivalent. A couple of light coats can be applied in a few hours' time, and this white base coat will make light colors, even yellow, seem to jump out. If you try this white undercoat on a piece of scrap and wrap it with your orange thread I'll bet you are pleased with the result.