I know blanks can be painted. Do you coat the painted blank with finish to protect the paint? Another question: Has anyone ever had a blank "dipped" in a camo or other pattern like they do with guns? if so, where did you have it done, and how much did it set you back?

Depending on the painting process, a top coat should be used. It could be Permagloss, Lumiseal or other urethane coating. Using casting resin to coat the blank will add significant weight if used on a light blank and is not recommended.

Hydroprinting can be contracted or done at home. The supplies and procedures are online as well as outfits doing the printing.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Hi David,
Whenever I get blanks painted I always get a coat of clears on top for extra protection, mine get done with automotive two pack.
Mudhole has camo blanks for sale for another option.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Thanks for the help and opinions folks. I'm going to check into the do-it-yourself hydroprinting, and if I decide to paint some, I'll probably airbrush them and coat with a clear urethane of some type. I've seen the ads for Mudhole's blanks, but if memory serves me correctly, they were for lighter applications than I've been asked about. I have a couple of people who are interested in getting camoflauge stand up tuna and boat rods built, but I want to be satisfied I can provide something I can be proud to have my name on. Col: what are you referring to when you say "automotive two pack" ? A clear coat finish as is usually applied to vehicles? Like a base coat and a clear coat over that?

Hi David,
Two part polyurethane auto paint with flex additives. If I get colour then I get a coat of clears over that. If clears only then two coats.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

for camo dip(hydrograph) you can check rodwerx on sponsor list

Auto flex additives only stay flexible for a certain amount of time to allow instulation

New auto clears are pretty flexible on there own

I use auto paint and clears with no problem. I have only been doing this for three years and have never added a flex additive. They have held up so far bend after bend.