So this is my first hand at using color preserver so I'm working with the learning curve here. It was my impression that color preserver would not change the color of the thread once dry, but my test wraps look darker than that of the original thread. Is this normal? [www.rodbuilding.org]
I had one gentleman tell me that all he uses is Elmers glue thinned down with water for his preserver. I don't know how flexible that would be though, or if it would discolor over time.

If you try to paint a black wall with yellow paint, the yellow is going to come out darker than it appeared in the paint can.

You cannot put a light colored thread over a dark colored blank and not expect the thread not to darken a shade or so. It's going to happen even with CP applied.

Over the years many builders have mistaken the look and smell of Elmer's glue for CP. They are not the same. Get yourself a good acrylic CP and use it.

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Thank you for the reply and explination. I am using a color preserver from a reputable company, specifically Lamar. But now I know a little more on what to expect when I use CP with the light colors. I'll stay clear of the Elmer's.

Wade one way to try is to paint your dark blank a light color where the guide wrap will go. This will keep the dark blank from showing and darkening the liter thread

Paul@soonercustomrod.com

On some rods I have laid an underwrap of -for example-silver. Then use a red thread for the top or guide wraps. This gives a totally different color. The red will be more true red than maroon. The best way to find out is to do some practice wraps on a piece of scrap rod bland. Lay down the underwrap, cp 1 wrap, do not cp the other. Then add epoxy, then the top wrap, cp 1, not another, then add final epoxy. This is an easy test of what your colors wll look like. It only takes a few minutes the day before to find out for sure on what your colors will look like. We use u40 color lock 2.