What is the benefit to putting epoxy over the under wrap and letting it dry first and then wrapping the guide over it,as I have met others that swear by this.

Glenn McMurrian

One of the reasons to do this is that it makes the overwrap go a little easier, since you are wrapping over a hardened surface. Also, it ensures that the under wrap is completely epoxied, which may not happen if it is only epoxied after the guide wrap is completed. I am a beginning rod builder and have done it both ways and, assuming I have the time, think it works better with epoxying the under wrap.

One of the reasons to do this is that it makes the overwrap go a little easier, since you are wrapping over a hardened surface. Also, it ensures that the under wrap is completely epoxied, which may not happen if it is only epoxied after the guide wrap is completed. I am a beginning rod builder and have done it both ways and, assuming I have the time, think it works better with epoxying the under wrap.

I'm not really answering the original posters question but instead noting some caution. If you are going to do this, it's important to choose a finish that will set up hard enough so that when you lay down your overwrap thread it does not sink into the finish. If the finish is a softer finish, you may actually be worse off than if you had not applied finish to the under wrap in the first place.

This isn't really a situation of it being wrong or right doing it one way or the other, it's more like in most cases it's unnecessary if the steps leading up to the overwrap are executed well. You really shouldn't have to or need to finish an under wrap to apply an over wrap over it.

One thing to consider if you do not epoxy the under wrap is to be certain that the first coat over both is very thin to be sure it penetrates.
Bubbles or incomplete penetration can be a problem.
We've done it both ways, and if using "A" for the under wrap and "C" or "D" for the over wrap, have not needed to epoxy coat the under wrap.
Also helps to wrap under in one direction, then the over in the opposite direction.

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381

I always epoxy the underwrap until it done(2-3 layers)
then lay the over wrap on top of it, just because esthetic reason
i prefer smooth n flat epoxy in beetwen guide legs

I use spar urethane over the underwrap. I find it dries quite hard and makes it very easy to wrap over.