I am very green to rod building and just completed my second.I have been using pro kote and am curious as to which finish is your favorite?

Hi Gaston,
Everyone has their favorite finish. In the overall scheme of things they are all similar. Some have a bit longer pot life, some set up harder, some are a bit more flexible. I started using Threadmaster high build about five years ago and I've been really pleased with the results so I don't see any need to change. Only to the light build for some applications and I will try the one part finish in the future. Billy Vivona gets good results mixing two types of finish to get the best properties from both.
The biggest "secret" to epoxy is application methods and not messing with the stuff, just let it do it's thing.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

Your favorite is the one that fits your technique.

For me that is Aftcoat.

And I agree...do not muck with it. Get it on and let it do it's thing.

I am learning a lot from this site and deffinatly learned not to mess with it much.my second rod turned out way better.now I NEED to get a rod dryer and ill be cruising.I am deffinatly addicted to rod building now and have caught 4 salmon with my new weapon

ProKote is great and very forgiving. Just stay with it if you are happy with it. 2 coats, and done.

I use either that,or Threadmaster-Lite which I also like.

Col's comment is spot on, pay close attention to his first and last sentence. I think Tom K once said on here that there are no bad finishes, just bad finishers. I tried several before settling with Threadmaster Lite. If you do some research on here for past threads on applying 2 part wrap finishes you will find some info on how to apply them so your finish will set up perfectly. The key thing that I have found is to follow the same methodical steps each time you apply a finish.

I have used and been happpy with Flex Coat, Threadmaster, Pro Kote. The only one that I have utilized that I had problems with was Diamondite..... (I don't believe they are in business any longer)

I would definitely experiment with high build and lite finishes in a couple of brands. I like Flexcoat and Threadmaster in the lite build, but not the high build. Threadmaster has a longer working time, which I don't like as much, but doesn't impact my finish. I have been able to go back to a turning rod an hour later, fix bubbles and still have the finish turn out perfectly. Flexcoat cures faster, which is great, as long as you make sure all the bubbles are gone before you leave it on the turner. I've not tried Aftcote or Pro Kote and only know about the reports posted here.

You'll find one or 2 that fit your style. Find what works and be consistent.

Terry

For the finish that stays clearer longer. I would have to say Threadmaster, Afcote and Procote. I do the Billy V mix mostly. which is Afcote and Threadmaster mix. Billy has been using Procote/Threadmaster now and has been happy but I still like my Afcote/threadmaster mix. You can mix 50% or 25% or 75%. I like to mix 50/50 first coat then 25/75 Threadmaster being the 75%.