I made my first try at putting a decal on a rod. I put on the first coat of Flexcoat, and it turned out perfect on one side and wavy with a few craters on the other. My plan to fix it (probably a week after the first coat) is to lightly sand with 400 or 600 paper, wipe it clean, put on the decal and then hope the second coat turns out. All comments are welcome, thanks!

Double post, sorry everyone.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/2013 08:39PM by Abram Harrison.

it is hard to BELEVE that finish went on and is smooth on one side and wavy on another
Also never sand a finish and Then Put A decal on
get the finish on Nicely First
Let dry overnight Then put the decal on If the decal is clear any of the dulness ( from sanding ) will show thought

You messed up in order to get finish on a ROUND Blank smooth on one side and wavy on the other

Did you hand turn the rod with finish on ????

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/13/2013 09:56PM by bill boettcher.

Abram,

You need to put a fresh coat of epoxy on, after you sand and before you put the label on. Otherwise your sanding will show through the label.

Chris

The wavy side of the finish is likely due to some adhesive on the label edges. The best way is to apply finish first, let it cure, then apply the label. I also add a step of spraying the area with Krylon fixative or a coat of CP. This seals the label edges and prevents the glue from repelling the finish.

Your process of fixing the current label area should work. Use a sanding block and be sure not to remove too much material. If you scuff the label, it's a do-over.

Terry

When sanding use the sanding block as Terry suggested, but also tape of the ends so you don't scuff the rod finish when sanding.

Chester

May your line be tight and your beverages be cold!

Bill, I did hand turn the rod, my wraps always turn out great that way. Thanks for the comments guys, I'm pretty confident I can fix it.

The only time I hand turn is when applying finish on a 70 rpm turner it does not look right Then I will stop the turner let it drip whip of excess do the 180 only sevel times then turn the turner on at a slow rpm
Got to baby sit it for a while
The only decals I have found that don't nead CP over them is Decal Connection's new peal and stick

Bill - willierods.com

Bill B, the decal connection labels are better, but I still had issues on occasion. I just do to them all now so I know I won't have any issues. I hate to go back and fix things if I can prevent the bad stuff from happening. The spray fixative works like a charm for me.

On a related note, I bought a can of matte finish by error, tried it out and was concerned as the spray finish was indeed matte and not gloss. I applied finish and it all turned clear as glass. Now I don't have to return or toss the can. :-)

Terry