Hey guys,

I got some blanks from the mudhole blowout and several of them seem faded or have been rubbed against something for part of the blank.

What's the best way for me to tidy up these blanks? If I paint the blanks I'll have to epoxy the whole length to ensure the paint doesn't come off, right?

Thank you.

You could remove the finish from the blanks and either paint them or apply clear finish (Urethane) to the bare blank. If you do paint them, then you would not apply epoxy to the blank, but you would use a urethane product such as Permagloss. I used Helmsman Spar Urethane on several occasion wih good results. The key is surface preparation, application thickness and speed and dust control. I found the best method to be wiping on with a clean cotton t-shirt. The wool applicators left to much fuzz behind. You will need at least three coats and will need to rub lightly with 00 steel wool between coats. After it is finished you could leave it glossy or if you lightly rub with 0000 steel wool you will get a matte finish.

Nick,
Remove all of the finish, polish the bare blank and build the rod.
Take care
Roger

Hi Nick,
No need to cover the blank with epoxy. I've had about 10 blanks painted with two pack polyurethane automotive finish and they've all held up well so far. If you go with colour then get a coat of clears to give a bit more protection. As John has stated you need good prep prior to painting.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

I have wet sanded mine (6oo grit) and painted with duplicolor....then finished with 2-3 coats of lumiseal with very good results. I am very happy with the blanks.

thanks guys, some good info there.

Col, with two pack polyurethane, did you need to go to a car spraypainter? that's baked on isn't it?

the only problem with sanding these blanks is that several have a ribbed texture (glass blanks i think), but i've read on here to sand down until the ribs aren't completely gone and it should be fine...

first things first though, i'm practicing marbling at the moment on a reel, should be interesting results as i'm doing a finish that i haven't seen anywhere yet, i'll post a finished pic..

Hi Nick,
Yes, I get my local panel beater to do them as they've got the setup to do it properly and safely. Two pack can be nasty stuff. You can do it yourself but you need a good respirator with the right filters, a full face is better and no exposed skin. I've had a few ribbed glass blanks done and sanded them down in a lathe but not too heavily, there was still a fair bit of the ribs left and after the colour (black) and clears went on they turned out really well, a lot better than they looked previously.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

thanks Col,

do you mind telling me what they sting you per rod? just so i know a ballpark when i go to visit my local...

thanks for the info, very informative mate.