Would like to build a few quality rods this winter and was hoping to spice things up and was wondering if anyone has any information on where to buy a quality colored or painted blank. Any info would be great - looking for a solid blank.

Jay: Go to the left list and click on Mudhole, they have a line of colored blanks! Hope this heips.

Does anyone know if Graphite-USA has resurrected itself? I haven't seen anything about them in a few years, especially since they moved from southern California. However, they used to offer most of their blanks (for a small fee) in a variety of colors. I built a rod on one of their blanks in forest green and I like it very much.
Slainte,
Hunter

From ghoulies and ghosties,
and long leggedy beasties,
and things that go bump in the night,
Good Lord deliver us!

Hi Hunter, Yes Graphite USA is now called United Composites. I have built blanks from the old Graphite USA and United Composites and the new stuff is heaps better. Regards Adam

give lance a call at swampland. he usually has some painted blanks on hand

Jay/Hunter

As Adam stated GUSA is now United Composites USA and have made some great changes to quality control. Note the blanks only come in natural graphite gloss.

Tight lines,

john H

When you say "Solid Blank" are you looking for ice rod blanks, heavy offshore blanks, or is solid a euphemism for high quality? Takes a little while to get them but CTS blanks come in a bunch of nice colors.

Lane

Does anyone have any experience with the CTS or Mudhole Painted blanks. I am looking for a quality blank to build a couple personal rods for myself. Again I do not need to have the top of the line but don't want to cheap out the rod blank to sacrifice color for action. I'd like to get a colored blank but want a blank that will serve the rigours of bass fishing. Any info on those whom have either built on a Mudhole Custom Builders blank or the CTS blanks. They seem to have a solid selection but am hesistant as I do not know their prices and fear shipping prices from New Zealand may be ALOT. Any info would be great!

You can purchase painted blanks (limited options) OR do your own (any blank you like). There are two ways to do your own ... pay an auto body shop to run them when they have suitable colors mixed for repair jobs ($20-25 per blank has been my experience) or you can do them in the yard (portable dryer, cardboard, table, spray paint, spray sealer). The former will give you a really nice finish, the latter will do very well IF you follow proper techniques.

There is nothing "wrong" with the Mud Hole painted blanks. They aren't the fanciest horses in the stable, but they will get the job done. IF you want to take a shot a doing your own - buy something with a natural finish - MHX, Bing SHX, etc. That will save you from doing much prep ... just rub with a grey Scotchbrite and go to town. There are certain paints/sealers that work better than others, use the search function and you will find information that will help.

I have painted many blanks both new & used , the choices are unlimited , I've used everything from Dupli-color automotive paints ,to Krylon & Rustoleum , with good results. Practice on an old blank or even a new blank as you can remove fresh paint with thinner and a rag . Painting gives you your own color something no one else has , you can even match your favorite vehicle color , paint gives you lots of choice! ! Just remember practice ! its painting not rocket surgery ! ! ! Larry