I recently finished a rod where i used a light brown thread and gold trim bands. Everything turned out great, but with one problem. After wrapping the guides, the light brown looked great. It wasn't until after i put the finish on it that it darkened, and has a kind of wet look to it. I used an NCR thread so i don't know what happened. If anyone could shed some light on this, it would be of great help. I've seem similar colored thread wraps, and they are light in color.

Hi Jack, even with NCP thread there will be a little color change, especially the lighter threads. Color preserver, even with NCP thread, will help retain color the best.

Jack,
I expect that with the darkening and wet look that it was a really beautiful rod.

Nothing to worry about, enjoy the effect.

Take care
Roger

I have just put White Orange and royal blue NCP thread on a black blank

I put three light coats of CP Flex Coat on them

They look real good
try a piece of scrap blank But put several coats of CP on the thread -- And pack it tight

Bill - willierods.com

Hi Jack

I too use crap bits of old blank, or better still use, you can use some old dome tent frames do so sample tests on each and every thread I have, with the exception of metallic,.. I will wrap 7 or 8 different color threads along one pole by manufactor and then wrap 2 side by side samples approx 1/4" wide. This so that one can be with preserver on one and then label it ie fishhawk 977. That way know what to expect, plus I can match the thread colour alot easier to guide that needs to be replicated. Customers who have Sage and GLoomis rods tend to very fussy and what almost exact matches where possible.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

The color of the blank under the thread will effect the outcome. Light threads on a dark blank will darken, not as much using NCP or with color preserver, but both are still effected some. If you want an unchanged color some apply a coat of white paint on the wrap area before wrapping.

Thanks all for you help, i got some very good suggestions and will give them a try.