Hi All

I have a queston reguarding finish over a fish decal. The decal is between two thread wraps, when I put the finish on, do I finish just over and around the fish decal or do i put the finsh over all of the blank between the thread wraps?? I am just new at this and I am not sure what to do.

thanks for any info you can give me Frank

if you want it to look great do it all over ,over one rap to over the 2 nd rap, will look the best I think did you ever see a rod in A store like the way you want to do yours ?????

William Sidney
AK

Check your decal
Some are not good with - just finish and need CP or a sealer first Then finish

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks i will check on the CP

I always cp any decal, it helps to seal around the edges.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Agree with Bill, CP at the edges keeps some decals from separating due to the epoxy rod finish. I always put the epoxy over all the area from one edge of the decal or wrap to the other edge. The whole section then "lights up" as one area of glossy magnificence. (hyperbole alert!)

This is probably the most challenging area to learn for new builders, finishing the butt wrap area and long finish sections so take your time.

Yes, most of us will apply the finish over both of the wraps on either end of the label and over the label/decal as well. Be sure to put CP on the decal, or you can also use the spray on workable fixative to seal the decal and especially the edges to prevent any fish eyes from forming due to the glue that may still be around the edges of the decal.

Read the library article on finish, but here's my method, using a spatula: ( I use threadmaster lite)

Load the spatula and apply to the rotating rod (either by hand or motorized)
Advance the spatula slowly left to right so you get a spiral ridge of finish
Establish the ends of the finish by holding a loaded spatula at the end location and rotating quickly
Stop the rotation and add finish to the top of the area and let it flow over both sides.
Rotate 180 deg and repeat above
Continue to rotate 180, allow the finish to flow to the bottom and wick off the excess with your spatula
Do this several times until you've achieved an even coating of finish over the area and no longer get big drips at the bottom
Put it on the dryer to cure
You may have some bubbles at this stage so you can heat gently with an alcohol torch or a hair dryer but go easy

Your mileage may vary but this works for me to achieve an even glass-like finish in the decal/butt wrap area.

Terry

Thanks Terry What do you use for a spatula ??

I use the metal artists spatula, the same ones used for mixing oil paints. They are thin, very flexible and come in different tip shapes. There are a couple of rounded tip sizes that I use for guides and a flat squared end one I use for the butt wraps. I've used these for years, and if I forget to wipe off the finish, I just heat them up and scrape off the old finish, polish up and go at it again. These are available in plastic as well, which you might try just to see if you like them, but don't forget to wipe them off. I think I paid $8 for the pack of metal spatulas at the craft store about 8 years ago and still using them.

Terry

Thanks for info, my wife paints maybe i will look in her brush box to see if she has any. Then again maybe not she may !!!!!!!! lol