I use Prokote regular / hi build and it is the only epoxy finishes I have worked with. I am looking to expand my knowledge of materials and would like thoughts and recommendations on which epoxy to try next.

Jon Hood

There are many good epoxy finishes out there, such as Trondak, Flex Coat, and others. It is up to you to test them to see which works best for your needs. I tested everyone of them and have my favorites. Some are better than others, but it is a very subjective thing. What works well for me may not for you. Test, test, and test again.

Testing can get expensive especially when you realize that there are only about three or four actual epoxy finishes out there and everything else is just repackaged and relabeled from one of those three or four. Trondak, Flex Coat, BD Classic Coat, Envirotex. Take your pick.

That's what I was thinking - it would get expensive - that's why I was asking for recommendations with pros and cons through other builders experiences.

Jon Hood

Jon,

I see a lot of guys swear by Thread Master and others who wouldn't use anything but Flex Coat. I myself use ProKote too; but it isn't as durable as some other epoxies. I like the working time of the lite build and it is almost crystal clear. I normally apply two coats of Perma Gloss then one or two coats of light build. So far I have not had any reason to change.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com

I was a ProKote only fan and finally took the dive into the finish testing pool. Came out with ThreadMaster as a great alternative.

Hi Jon,

My thoughts on the which finish to use is this. Put ten rod builders in a room and ask them which finish do they like. My guess is, you will get eight different answers.
Personally, I think it is more of a situation of, you taking the time to learn the things a certain finish wants to do. Not a situation of changing finishes, in the hope of finding one that suits you. Different finishes are different to different finishes.
You will make mistakes along the way, sure, but there wouldn't be many builders that can say they have never had a duuh day.
Pick one and have sum fun playing with it.

Kind regards, Rod.
Mboro. Qld.
Australia.

Jon Hood,

If you unhide your email address I will send you an interesting link where you can read up on a few finishes.

John Powell - could you send me that link too?

John Powell - could you send me that link too?

Link to info sent

Jon
I have used most of the major branded finishes for the past 10 years. I have finally settled in on Threadmaster lite lately - not because I think it's the best finish - but because I have gotten used to it's application/curing characteristics and , and because it lets me "get-a-way with more" when little self caused mishaps and patch-ups are necessary!!
Rog

Getting some great input guys! Thanks!

Jon Hood

I like pac bay rod finish I don't have problem with bubbles that I have with other finish

John, can you push the finish link to me as well. Thanks!

I use Pro kote lite and threadmaster light mixed. And I know another gent who uses Prokote heavy and pro kote lite mixed.

use the same ratio for each. so if you are using 2 cc of prokote lite then use 2cc of threadmaster lite and mix together

Rolly Beenen
Rovic Custom Rods

Rolly, Why do you do that??

I love Pro kote and Flexcoat, I tried the threadmaster light it worked good but it stinks bad, it gives me a headache.

My votes go to Threadmaster and Flex Coat. Didn't like the Pro Kote when I tried it.