What were the reasons for coloring the ground portions of black guide feet?

I have tried Sharpies (they rub off) and I have been using nail polish (too soft and takes a while to dry). It is really being a hassle and I am wondering if it is really worth the trouble.

I never use light colored threads and always use CP, so if I pack the threads tightly and burnish real nice, do I even need to worry?

Thanks,

Tony

To stop the shiney sparkle of the ground guide foot showing through the thread. A magic marker pen works well, but as you say, if you burnish well there's no need to do it.

Jersey, Channel Islands. (U.K.)

With CP it is not going to show though

In salt - you should have the extra protection in case saltwater gets under your thread

Paint is probably the best Dries fast and should not bleed though

Bill - willierods.com

I have used a quick shot of automotive type spray paint. It's dry in 10 minutes and works perfectly. I used a sharpie just yesterday on a single guide re-wrap. It works ok but it is easy to rub off. I'll stick with spray paint in the future.

I never use CP and you cant tell that it's a flat black vs the shiny black of the guide itself.

Drew

Birchwood Casey and Testor's make black paint pens. I use these to color the feet. Just shake them up, and touch the tip of the fiber wick to the are that needs to be colored. No muss, No fuss, No clean up.

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

I know some folks use the gun blueing "paint" as well.

Sharpies may contribute to FASTER corrosion on ground guide feet. Marker ink contains Chloride which is very corrosive to stainless steel. Stick with paint.