I'm currently building a "non glare" fly rod. Black blank, anodized reel seat and TiCH guides. I nee do darken the filed guide feet as I won't use colour preserver on the wraps. I thought about using cold bluing solution and someone suggested a permanent marker. Tests with the permanent marker resulted in a bleed of the black ink into the wraps. Can anyone suggest an easy way to handle this? Looking forward to your comments.
Cheers, Peter (New Zealand)

Sorry, just realized there is a recent discussion about black guide feet. But I'd still be interested in alternatives to the use of permanent markers.
Cheers, Peter

Black ink, let dry. Apply a coat of CP to the guide foot. Let dry. Apply finish.

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Thank you Tom, good idea with the CP, will give it a go.
Cheers, Peter

I've also used black nail polish, with good results. You have to let it dry also. I've found that it works better than black ink -- when I tried using a sharpie, some of the shine from the raw steel underneath came through the ink, and this doesn't happen with nail polish. And I've not had a problem with the nail polish reacting to the thread epoxy.

Black nail polish is not a specialty item anymore, by the way. You can buy it at any drugstore, as the goth kids love it. My wife was shocked when she learned that I didn't have to go to a Halloween store to get black nail polish -- she didn't realize black is as popular as it is. I mention this in case you, like my wife, think that black nail polish is hard to find -- it's not.

I will second the black nail poish, just have to put it on thin and it work like a champ!

Testor's Paint Markers work very well. You actually use them lke a magic marker, but you are applying an enamel paint. They are available in a host of colors which are handy for lots of things ... guide feet, epoxy ramps, an undercoat in wrap areas using light colors, touching up guide frames, etc.

Auto supply caries auto touch up in small bottles with a brush

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks for all the help.
I had the same problem with the sharpie (as Chris mentioned). I'll give the Testors Paint Marker and th nail polish a go. Might ask my wife to get the polish for me as I don't want to start any rumors in town!
Cheers, Peter

When I buy nail polish I always ensure I have a 12 pack on the counter and a fishing mag to help "balance" things out. in the end the 2.00 bottle of nail polish costs me like 20.00 but I drink the beer and read the mag so it is not a total loss i guess....

Try a marks-a-lot permanent marker, doesnt bleed like sharpie does

Rufus
Port Saint Lucie, FL