I painted a couple of rods for my grandkids. The Fusion can states chip resistant after 7 days. The kids are only 7 and 10 so I want extra protection, so I want to clearcoat the rods also. Do you builders that paint, clearcoat before or after the guides are on? Is it necessary to wait 7 days before applying the guides? What have you all found to work?

Thanks, Jeff Frei

You need to finalize your blank coating before wrapping the guides. I'd wait several days for the paint to harden before wrapping.

Do keep in mind that rod blanks won't withstand a lot of bumping and banging around. So while the paint might be chip resistant, the blanks may not be. Do your best to instill in the kids that taking care of one's fishing equipment leads to having it around for a long time.

...........

I have painted many blanks and have good results.
I've tried cheap dollar store paint and a number of higher end paint. I like house of color best, mainly for the cool colors.
After the build I give two coats of epoxy to the entire rod. That will protect the paint from chipping or abrasion damage.

Always learning with
Ohio Rod Builders


Joe Azar

Tom- Thanks, I know that kids are, or at least can be, tough on stuff so rather than buy good components I bought 2 Pflueger trigger spin combos and stripped the rods. I painted one pink and one red and will put on some flashing wrapping and they're all set. They 7 and 10 and aren't interested in quality, they are interested in something that Granpa built. The IM6 rods were only an additional $15.00 over the reel so if they want to swordfight with them the loss will be minimal. I thought it would be a good opportunity for me to get more practice on wrapping as I am fairly new to to this. My first diamond wrap had flaws, but still impressed not only me but others as well (not you guys, but people that don't know any better). It will only get better with time and practice.

Joe- Are you talking about House of Color automotive custom paint? Urethane I assume?

Thanks guys, Jeff Frei

Jeff,
Yes, automotive urethane paint. Flexible, UV resistant and tough as nails. Available at craft/hobby stores. I got it at Walmart.

Always learning with
Ohio Rod Builders


Joe Azar

Joe

What brand do you use

Bill - willierods.com

Joe,

With you being The highest ranking of all of the Wal*Mart Greeters, Do you get a discount?

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Yes, it's called the dollar Bill discount.
For every purchase made at any Walmart in Ohio, Bill Eshelman sends me a dollar bill.

Joe