Hello, has anyone tried putting decals on a reelseat? Specifically on the wood insert on a fly rod reelseat. I'm not sure how I would add finish to this..also does anyone do custom decals? Thanks.

No, haven't done it, don't see why it wouldn't work if you keep the finish at a minimum. Decal Connection to the left for decals.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/14/2015 07:37PM by Spencer Phipps.

Yes, I have done it and with decals I picked up a few years ago at the ICRBE. These are water slide, and if you use a fixative spray cover you can use epoxy or even urethane for the final coat.

I have tried it, but surmise peel & stick will also work OK. Obviously it should not be underneath the reel!

When applying finish, do you only apply finish on where to decal is or would you apply finish on the all around the wood insert? I'd still like the wood insert to have its stabilized look. Thanks

I apply the finish on the entire reel seat as I turn them myself. I have put them on both stabilized and other exotic woods. I personally use urethane on top off the fixative, rather than epoxy in order to keep the bulk down.

Phil, what kind or brand of urethane do you use? And I'm assuming applying it the same way as finish? Thanks.

I use Helmsman Spar Urethane, comes in both spray and brush on. Gloss and matte.

Thanks Phil. Also, would I need to apply color preserver first to prevent the decal from lifting before applying urethane? Thanks.

I routered a inlay area in wood inserts. Aplied a decal and coated the whole piece with epoxy finish. then sanded it down on the lathe bringing back to wood. Polish the inlet area and you have a inlay decal. Much the same process as inletting pins stamps etc.

Sid, I do not use CP, instead I use Krylon Crystal clear spray, but think CP would work as well.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/15/2015 01:10PM by Phil Erickson.

If you are using a beautiful exotic wood insert, I don't know why you would want to cover it up with a decal?

Randolph, I DO NOT "cover it up" with a decal !! The decals I use are faint images of various species of trout. They are small and appear as ghost images against the wood. Nothing opaque about them ! Many of my clients request them.

There is a photo on this site. Grips & Reel seats



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/17/2015 04:58PM by Phil Erickson.