Being new to rod building,I wonder what yo9u all think about using rod finish for UV protection.
And i9f so,which stuff is best?

All thread finish will go yellow if left out in the sun long enough. Store your rods out of sunlight when not in use and you will reduce the problem. I've been using Threadmaster for the last four years and it has held up well. Can't comment on the other finishes as I haven't used them. Previously used an Australian product, Jack Eskine finish, and it has held up well some for over 30 years. I store my rods in a garage that has no windows. My son had a rod that he stored opposite a wndow for a considerable period and the thread exposed to the sunlight faded considerably but the finish was only slightly yellowed, that was Erskine finish and it only meant more work for me ie it has been rebuilt.
ESFNEM Col

Sunlight will speed the process, but even if kept in the dark, all epoxy will turn amber/yellow over a few months time. This is both in the bottle, and on the rod. Nature of the beast.

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With all the newer water based clear coats available today I wonder if one of these might prove more suitable to thread finishing than epoxy?

When a product states that it is U/V protected, it generally means that the product itself is resistant to U/V degradation, not the thread or material underneath it..

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Nor does it mean that it won't turn amber/yellow.

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What exactly do you mean by "Rod Finish"? You might want to be more specific. Are you talking about thread finish epoxy or talking about applying something to th rod blank itself

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

I`m referring to the stuff you apply after everything is done....I appreciate all the input so far

Still confused! apply where? Finish is generally applied only to thread wraps and decals, Not on the entire rod/

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Are you talking final clean up like a wax. I use Pledge furniture wax as a finial clean up to take any scoffs and marks off.

Bill - willierods.com