- I have on order 6/0 Pearsal's Gossamer White from Golden Witch. They also carry YSI in 3/0 white. Does any one know where else to buy white silk in 4/0, 5/0, or 6/0. I am experimenting with transparent wraps.
Lou, the curious amateur.

Lou,

Sorry to be slow, but I'm afraid you'll have a hard time finding silk in those sizes. Pearsall's Naples silk is purported to be about 4/0, but that's the only one I know. I think you'll find both the YLI and Pearsalls to be great products.

Harry Boyd

Thanks, Harry,
Since I was not getting an answer to the post, I began to assume that no one knew where to find any. I tried a 3/0 silk wrap with an unknown brand and it came out fairly clear. I thought finer silk would make it better though even the 3/0 was a bit touchy to wrap and took many turns, meaning more yards and more time and more care. So I thought I'd hedge a little with an alternate between 3/0 and 6/0.
The Pearsall's (6/0 more or less) arrived just now so I'll see how that goes. A micrometer is a poor way to compare silk threads because they flatten, nevertheless the Pearsall's Gossamer "measures" .0021" vs .0032" for the 3/0 unknown brand. Naples scarlet or black (it doesn't come in white) "measure" .0041, each one. Tough to measure since silk doesn't slide through a micrometer like metal would. I should try LSI, too.
Lou.

YLI not LSI.
sorry 'bout that,
Lou.

Lou,

I think you'll find that the Gossamer isn't easy to work with. I use it on my bamboo rods, but find that the tiny size really is more difficult to use.

And I hate to tell you this, but getting perfectly clear wraps isn't so much a function of silk size as it is technique. Use only true spar varnish. Heat the varnish in the microwave till it's very warm, but not boiling. Burnish the wraps well. Singe any "fuzzies" off before starting. Soak the wraps thoroughly, and wick away excess varnish with a dry brush. Expect to use two coats of varnish to get the look you desire. After two coats, additional coats will not produce wraps that are less opaque.

Perfect clear wraps are something of a holy grail for me, and aren't easy. I have a system that works quite well for me, but doesn't seem to work so well for others. Be patient. Be persistent. And experiment. By all means if you find a system that works easily, share it ! <g>

Harry Boyd

UPDATE on Clear Threads.

Ok so most of my regular job customers are gone for the weekend and I work out of my house. SO, I took a field trip today down too jo-ann fabric. What a place. There I found Coats and Arms Nylon transparent thread. So I said to myself, self, try this and a few other threads while i am at it. (odd looks from the old ladies there) I bring home the thread apply it too a size 30 guide and a size 6 guide. Instead of a traditional thread wrap, I criss crossed back and forth on the guide instead of a nice even wrap. I tied them off and started mixing my clear coat. I applied the clear coat and everything vanished thread and all. The trick is if you find a silver section on the thread you have to work the epoxy down too the blank and i used a stiff brush and tooth pick to do this. I then took my regular brush and smoothed the finish. Now I have pulled on the guides to lift and break them and it did come loose a bit. I looked at the epoxy and it was thin towards the ring side of the guide and the nylon pulled through. I added a second coat just now and all disappeared again and the coat looks even. I will take some pics tonight and post.