I have a buddy that told me if one coat of finish covers there is no need to put on a second coat, even if using a lite finish like Flex Coat. I would appreciate opinions.
Thankse

If you are satisfied with the coverage and the depth, then one coat is all you need. I delivered a rod a couple weeks ago that only had one coat of finish. I was happy with the result, so I left it alone. I have personal rods with guides that were repaired and finished with nothing more than a coat or two of CP. Several years later, there are no issues. I just wrapped a rod the other day that I plan on fishing this week that only has a single wet coat of CP on the guide wraps. When I get a chance it might get a coat or two of finish, or I might let it go for a while to see how it holds up.

Edit: I will add that I build primarily bass and panfish rods. With heavy saltwater rods that get banged on rails and such, a little extra protection for the thread may be in order.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 05/11/2015 07:34PM by Joe Vanfossen.

I'm never satisfied with one coat. I always put two on light saltwater or bass rods and even more on offshore or stand up rods. In my opinion the edges look way more refined and straight.

Lance

Bruce

No need to add a second coat if the first coat completely encapsulates the wrap and you are satisfied with the appearance.

John

like every one say's it is your rod do as you want just make sure the threads are covered well , if it is a stand up salt water a little extra won't hurt , it takes a lot of beating , in fact all rods take a lot of banging around , be safe on the water,

William Sidney
AK

I should have said in my post I'm referring to fly rods. I haven't built a lot of rods, but I've always felt that as long as I can't see thread the thread grooves, I have it covered. I guess as long as the thread wraps are covered the rod will hold up.

Bruce,
I seldom put more than one coat of finish on my rods. I use high build flex coat.

Be safe

One coat of finish is all that you need. That being said, additional coats are primarily for cosmetic purposes. If the thread on the wrap has ridges in it with one coat you might wish to apply an additional coat. I have used as many as 10 coats of Perma Gloss on some rods just to get the desired look and as few as 2 on other rods. I generally use two coats of epoxy on wraps.

I'm with Randolph on this, my customers do not want to see ridges in the thread wraps. They also do not want the football shape of too much epoxy!

I always use two coats. But I always put that first coat on so thin that its going to need the second coat. I like to do this because I can verify after its dryed that I got all the thread soaked and my tunnels are closed up with epoxie. I would say if I went a bit heavier handed on the finish I could do it in one coat.

I do two coats. I build mostly fly rods also. I've been building for a local shop so that they can have some "house brand" rods. I sent one over with just one coat of epoxy. The thing would not sell. when asked the shop owner why he thought it was he said "the customers are comparing it to the higher build finish on the factory rods." I took it back, added a second coat and the rod sold in a week. some times I can get away with a single coat on the tip guides which I like so it's not so heavy.

Bruce your friend is essentially correct.

If taking two aspirin get's rid of your headache, do you need to take 4? Excess epoxy adds weight which reduces rod performance, so excess epoxy is bad (for all but the heaviest rods where it just isn't much of a factor).

The correct amount of epoxy is the correct amount. If you can do it in one, good you achieved your goal. If you need two coats to get it right, good you achieved your goal.

I neglected to mention that I'm using Flex Coat Lite. I just put a coat on and I tried to put it on a little heavy to make sure I only need one coat. But, I still think I'll need a thin second coat. I guess I'll know later.

If you thread work is nice a little higher RPM like maybe 40 plus will help to hold a heaver coat of the ligher finish And may be enough ??

Bill - willierods.com

Bruce, put the thin coat on first, then a heavier coat.

Thanks to all who have replied to my questions. You've been a great help. After looking closely at the wraps I noticed some blemishes in the finish (it looked like dust to me) so I cut them off with a razor blade and put on a thin second coat. It looks pretty good. I feel better about it today.
Thanks again for all of your help.