I'm still learning to make decorative butt wraps and I have some questions as to thread types and sizes used. When I used size "A" NCP for all colors, the patterns emerge well and are sharply defined. When I used size "A" metallic for my pattern (e.g. thunderbirds, stars, etc...) and size "A" nylon for background color and to close the wrap, the patterns are not quite as sharp. The size "A" nylon seems top be a smaller diameter than the metallic, which lets a haze of the metallic show through where the metallic is supposed to be hidden. I would try to burnish the wrap to overcome this however I'm concerned that I may move those threads that I've worked so hard to get into position and alignment.

So far, I have built exclusively on small diameter blanks - less than .55" butt diameter - so I've used size "A" threads.

I like the effect of a pattern in metallic thread with a flatter background. It seems that the size "A" NCP has more bulk or may even be slightly thicker than regular nylon A and consequently covers better than nylon, but the NCP threads don't get the same translucent appearance as nylon after rod finish is applied. I use primarily ProWrap threads.

Should I be using the same size and type of thread for my decorative butt wraps?
Should I use a larger thread size for decorative butt wraps?
Are there any general guidelines on this subject?

The same size and type of thread will produce the most uniform and consistent looking wraps. Size A is generally preferred by most. Packing the pattern by pushing on the sides and corners will tighten the pattern.
Rolling a round and smooth craft paint brush handle over metallics works better causing less thread deterioration than burnishing.

Such wraps take longer to do when made with size A, but that smaller thread results in a wrap that appears more fluid or smooth as the individual threads are not as easy to discern. Size D will go quicker, but won't look quite as smooth. I tend to use A on smaller rods and D on larger ones. There is no hard and fast rule.

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