Penney for your thoughts on full metallic wraps. As you'd expect, I've used metallic thread but only for trim, so I'm not unfamiliar with it's unique (and sometimes difficult) handling properties. Aesthetics aside, I'm mainly interested in opinions and experience with regard to overall wrap performance, robustness, whether to burnish or not and whether 2 coats lite epoxy is usually sufficient to cover. Thanks in advance.

if I had a choise I would not use metallic thread , some times I have to , saying that I don't burnish it , will pack an use more epoxy to cover
my 2 cts an how I do it

William Sidney
AK

I have used metallics for decades with the biggest difference being they are harder to work with. Burnishing will tend to remove color from the outer metallic filament. Wraps can be given a tightened look by instead pushing from the edges to close any gaps. Rolling a round plastic craft paint brush over to surface will also close gaps without damaging the appearance. Some colors fade more than others. A coat or two of finish is sufficient.

Teague,

I wrap 90% of the bass & trout rods I build with metallics, unless my customers requests something else. The metallics are more difficult to work with, but I don't use a mechanical thread tensioner. I only burnish lightly after the wrap is done to close up any minor gaps.

As for finishing, I apply two coats of Perma Gloss urethane, allowing an hour between applications. I like the way the urethane penetrates the threads and flows in around the guide foot. I then let the Perma Gloss dry overnight then apply one, (or perhaps two coats), of lite build epoxy, (ProKote is my preference). The wraps come out looking like glass. A rod building buddy of mine told me about applying the Perma Gloss before the epoxy and I tried it and really like the Perma Gloss. Dries quickly, crystal clear and tuff as nails.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com