I am a new rod builder and have built on rods without a glossy finish from the manufacturer. I have a blank and it has a glossy finish on the entire blank. My question pertains to applying epoxy for the grips, reel seat and also the thread finish on the guides. Is there any special procedure before applying epoxy or finish to the blank. Basically what I'm asking is should the glossy finish be removed before applying finish or epoxy or can I just glue straight to the blank without removing the glossy finish?

Thanks In advance.

Chris,

In my experience, I would recommend removing the "glossy finish" in the area where the reel seat and possible the grip,(s), are to be placed. This is achieved by lightly sanding the area with a scotch pad. You do not want to get into the carbon fiber ....just enough to remove the glossy finish. I usually figure out where the reel seat will be positioned on the rod blank and mark this area with a china pencil. I then tape off the adjacent area with masking tape to protect it when removing the finish. After you have removed the finish do not wipe the area with any solvent. Just dust it off or wipe it with a tack free cloth. This process gives a "brake free surface" to which the epoxy will adhere much better.

I personally would not worry about doing the area under the guide feet.

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/30/2015 12:22PM by Donald R Campbell.

Chris,

In my experience, I would recommend removing the "glossy finish" in the area when the reel seat and possible the grip are to be placed. This is achieved by lightly sanding the area with a scotch pad. You do not want to get into the carbon fiber ....just enough to remove the glossy finish. I usually figure out where the reel seat will be positioned on the rod blank and mark this area with a china pencil. I then tape off the adjacent area to protect it when removing the finish. After you have removed the finish do not wipe the area with any solvent. Just dust it off or wipe it with a tack free cloth. This process gives a "brake free surface" to which the epoxy will adhere much better.

I personally would not worry about doing the area under the guide feet.

'Sorry for the double posting!

Don Campbell
don@sensorfishingrods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/30/2015 12:22PM by Donald R Campbell.

Thank you very much. My next question.
Is sanding the only way to remove the glossy finish or is there a finish remover that can be applied to dissolve the finish?
Also should all of the finish be removed or just sand enough to scuff the surface?

I agree with Don. A scotch pad does the trick. Stay away from solvents and etching products. Good luck MH

Okie doke. Thanks.