First time rod builder, first post in forum. I’m building a fly rod for my father for Christmas. I have the lower half of blank complete except final coat of finish and I’m wondering if it’s possible to coat entire rod with finish (Pro kote) ?? It’s a MHX blank smooth graphite if I remember correctly. I’m not really liking the look of guide wraps finished in gloss on the matte blank.
Thanks in advance on advice, Ted

Guide finish is way too heavy. Perma Gloss or a similar product would be the way to go. Use the search function and put in something like "refinishing a rod blank" and you will get a lot of information of how to do it. Be sure to set the search to " all dates"

It is a little late to coat the blank after the guides are on! As mentioned above wrap epoxy is not what one wants coat an entire blank with as it is heavy and tends to be too soft. If you must coat it, Perma Gloss is a good choice. Keep in mind any coating will add weight, which is less then desired on a fly rod.

I see no problem with coating a rod after the guides are on IF ONE VERIFIES ON A TEST PIECE that the Perma Gloss or Lumiseal doesn't attack the guide wrap Pro Kote. I don't think it does, but a test is a must.

The above comments about not doing it with Pro Kote or any other guide wrap are absolutely correct. It will be a heavy, unresponsive, mess. Won't even look good. Be sure you get good, expert input on using the Permagloss or Lumiseal. They dry super fast so you have to work according to a solid plan, and do it fast. No time for figuring it out while doing it. Best idea would be to not do it, IMHO. The blank does not need a coating, will last forever without it.

Michael, Perma Gloss is best applied by wiping quickly the length of the blank, of course this is NOT possible with already mounted guides in the way! Stopping and starting with the very quick set Perma Gloss, especially with no experience with the product is a prescription for problems!

Thank you guys for your input. Probably best I leave it as is and try on next blank.

If I were you I would not coat the blank with any thing. A matte blank with epoxy finished wraps looks just fine. If it’s not broken don’t fix it!
Norm

Phil, I know how it's applied, been there done that. It's less of a sure thing with guides on, but it can be done. I agree, better to leave it alone, especially if not already familiar with the product's characteristics.