I just finished my very first build. The only area that I had a major problem with is in the application of the finish. (go figure, lol) I have footballing on the guide wraps & major waves over the decal area. I'll try my best to describe what I did from start to fininsh.

Materials: FC Lite Build on Gudebrod NCP thread, MHX Blank with Peel & Place Decal

Prep: No CP used anything, room temp 70deg, wiped everything down with denatured alcohol, warmed FC finish in warm water, mixed for 3min, spread mixed finish on foil

Application: Turned rod by hand until coated & then placed on 6rpm dryer. Took about 20min to work from Butt to Tip. Second coat after 24hr.

If I had to guess, after some searching here,I probably was trying to apply too much at once, as I never once wicked any finish off a wrap when done with it. The decal area looks like a train wreck. I thought I was applying too heavy, but if I tried to lighten up, it acted like it didn't want to stick to the blank. I almost would say that it wanted to "fish eye". As I stated, this is where I started, so the finish was fresh at that point. Should I try thinning?

Lastly, this rod is for my own use, so I'm not majorly concerned about the "first rod" appearance. Sure, I could have done a better job packing a couple of windings, have a couple thread ends protruding, a few bubbles when examined closely. After all, it is my first build! But, if I wanted to address the wavy decal area, how would I approach it?

Oh, and yea, I think I'm hooked with this new hobby!!! I'm getting ready to start my next build tonight!

Okay, first stop wiping things with alcohol - that can cause problems such as fish eyes and areas that repel the epoxy.

You almost certainly applied too much per application. With the Lite type finishes, you can't put on very much per application or you'll definitely get the wavy, hills and valleys look.

............

Like Tom said to much finish.
After your fini9sh is on, Stop the turner, I put my guides from left and right so no finish goes up and onto the ring.

Let excess drip, wipe off with your brush, several times Then start the turner again

Bill - willierods.com

I agree with both Tom and Bill. to much finish I apply multipliable thin coats. Also when the rod is turning, I look at the under side of the wrap. You can see build up of finish (waves). You can remove the high globs or just move them to the low spots

Good Wraps Bob

Is there any way to fix the waves, in the decal area, at this point?



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2010 11:54AM by Mark Wendler.

You can do a light sanding say 400 grit. Sand smooth then recoat using the tips from above.

block sand it until u get down to the low spots . then recoat

Like Eric, sand down making sure to NOT break the finish's surface-recoat.

Decals can leave glues, finger prints and everything else around the edges of the peel and stick decals. To prevent it next time: use a couple light spary can coats of Krylon Fixatif. This is a fast drying clear product that will end your decal woes forever. Any arts and craft store carry's it.

DR

Mark; When you apply finish to a long area, such as a decal or butt wrap, you need to apply the finish long ways . In other words, your brush strokes should go down the rod instead of around the rod in a circular pattern. That will also help the finish level out smooth and not have humps and waves.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Duane Richards (DR) Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> To prevent it next time: use a
> couple light spary can coats of Krylon Fixatif.
> This is a fast drying clear product that will end
> your decal woes forever.
> DR


Duane

Applied over the decal, or before?

Thanks,
Mark



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/10/2010 03:36PM by Mark Wendler.

OVER the decal and it's edges.

DR