Asked a question earlier about underwraps on a fly rod, appreciate all the advice, so..... 2nd question, if adding a underwrap is not advised due to adding weight to the rod, do you folks recommend using something other than an epoxy rod finish in order to keep things even lighter? I was thinking of using perma-gloss as opposed to an epoxy - thoughts?

Thanks
John

I don't think underwraps are required. I've never used them and have used a couple fly rods for many years without problems.

Permagloss may be used, and will most likely be lighter. It does have a different look. I expect you can find images by searching the photo pages.

I use single foot wire guides for the running guides, and even with epoxy, they are pretty light. I think the lightest may be the REC single foot wire, but I have no comparative data.

I use Perma Gloss on lighter rods, and epoxy on rods over 6-7 weight. If you wish you can always put on thin coats of epoxy. Just try to avoid a football shaped finish on your wraps.

Make it easy for you One nice ( not heavy ) coat of a light finish If you think you have too much on stop the turner and let some drip off

Bill - willierods.com

IMO - you will be unhappy with look of PG. And it does not wear as well as stated.
Herb

Herb, I have been using Perma Gloss since before it had a name. It is the most durable finish that you will ever find.

Randolph,
That is what people report. BUT - I built 5-6 fly rods with it to keep things light and found that the thread frayed in one season.
Admittedly I only applied 2 coats because the objective was to keep it light. Some people apply many more coats which looks quite bad because it does not level like "epoxy" - but it may wear better.
Herb

As always I appreciate advice people are willing to give. I'm in the process of coating the wraps, using PG. This is only my 3rd rod, 1st fly rod, so right now everything is a learning experiance, I figure if I don't like it, I can always redo it this winter.

Thanks
John

John,
You can use epoxy over the PG as long as the thread is not frayed. But another reason to use epoxy vs PG is the fact that the PG does not fill the tunnels and stabilize guides as well as epoxy. But, as you say, you can always do it over.
PITA on a painted/gloss blank though. You would probably have to extend wraps a little to cover the damaged paint.
Herb

I have 5 coats on the upper portion of the blank, 2 coats on the lower portion, intitial impressions,
So far I like the look, much lighter than epoxy
seems easier to me to apply, easy to fix if i make a small mistake

Downsides, fumes are not great, just need to make sure I vent properly
Not sure if I need 2 coats of color lock, getting some transparancy thru the thread, used one coat of color lock, will try two next time, partially my fault, use a lighter thread over a dark rod.

Obviously I have minimal experience with epoxy and PG, I've built two rods with epoxy, this is my 1st with PG, will continue to build and learn.

Thanks for all the advice.
John

Herb, when I was involved with testing all of Ralph O'Quinns finishes for him, we made a rod that had no wraps at all, just perma gloss over the guide feet. It cast and fished very well indeed!!