Several years ago I built a fly rod (casts beautifully but cosmetically it is easy to tell it is a first rod) Anyway I am going to try it again and looking thru my old material I found a bottle of color preservative that I never opened, would it still be good? Probably 10 years old

What brand, and is it still liquid?

Gudebrod and yes it is still liquid, a little thick but Im not sure if it is supposed to be thick when new.

What color is it? Gudebrod use to make a CP that was clear (like water) called 811. Before they went belly up, they had problems with the 811 and changed to a milky type color preserver. I did not find that color preserver very good. So if your bottle is opaque and white I would do a test on it before using it on a new rod. If it is clear and not viscous, you might be able to use it, but I would do a test on it as well. Please note the amount of darkening after your tests are completed and allowed to dry. Good luck,

Mike Blomme

Thanks Mike, I think for the small amount CP costs I will just buy a new bottle and not take a chance. In the overall cost CP is negligible.

Jim,
I have been using Riddance ChromaSeal CP. I think it has the best color retention. There are many others that various rod builders use and they seem to be satisfied with them. All Cps currently being manufactured will work. You will have to try them and se which ones you like.

Mike Blomme