Looking for comments. I have been a rod builder for over 10 years now. I have always used an epoxy ,2 part finish for all my rods. Usually u-40 high build.I am building a new rod and thinking about using permagloss as a wrap finish. Which looks better, perma gloss or epoxy? what are the pros and cons? any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks Jerry

Most folks think epoxy looks better - smoother, etc. But Permagloss is superior coating in terms of hardness, flexibility, etc. It will require multiple coats and gives sort of an eggshell appearance.

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Definitely epoxy if you want a nice look, and as tom said with permagloss you'll need a lot of coats. If it's a thinner coating your after i'd go with one of the light build finishes.

Looks like another case of necessary compromise. If the rod is to be primarily a tool for catching fish and will see hard use it seems Permagloss would be the logical choice. On the other hand, if the rod will see light to medium duty and aesthetics are a priority then epoxy is the stuff.

I happen to prefer the look of PermaGloss, as it allows the texture of the threads to show through. It looks more "organic", to me, while I think epoxy looks too "plastic". Plus, you can get by with a thinner finish, meaning less weight. 3 coats of PG are sufficient for many rods,and they can be applied within several hours, instead of having to wait overnight, as is the case with epoxy. And, as others have said, it is tougher than epoxy. IMHO, PG is not a compromise, at all, but, rather, the finish of choice.

George Forster
Fort Collins, CO

Best of both worlds... Coat of Epoxy over PermaGloss...

Ditto

Mike Blomme

What about needing to remove and replace a guide? PermaGloss can make that a wee little bit harder. Just something to consider.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

I like the idea of getting my guides coated in just a few hours. It seems it may be easier when finishing micros on small diameter blanks. I haven't used PG yet, but I'm thinking I will soon make the switch on guides.

Stay with Epoxy as with today's Epoxy's like Pro Kote the finish with dry just as good and with Permagloss you almost always need to be out side as the smell is so strong and unless you want to get High! and with Permagloss you almost need a Jack Hammer to do repairs it is so hard.

Glenn McMurrian