I'm new to this...

On my first build (4pc fly rod), I used a Flex Coat all-in-one kit. I was happy with the results.

On the second build, I went back to buy more epoxy for the guide wraps, and the guy behind the counter suggested Flex Coat Lite.

I'm not as happy with the finish. It's a little uneven in places, too thin in others even after a couple of coats.

I'm completely confident it's all user error.

So, the questions:

Is it ok to keep adding coats until I'm happier with the thickness of the coat? Is there a time frame after which I shouldn't try it at all?

Is it common to need to apply more than two coats?

Just so I'm clear, I have no problem with the product other than I probably tried something that's a bit beyond my experience level.

Any suggestions would be most appreciated.

The instructions with your finish should tell you how much time you have to re-coat without having to scuff wraps with scotchbrite prior to coating. If it's too thin give it another thin coat. Watch the Flexcoat videos. Most get by with 2 coats , some with one. You can ask Flexcoat they are extremely helpful. Not sure what comes with the all in one kit but suspect it may have been hi-build. Do some forum searches, all dates, lots of info on this topic.

Yes - it is O.K. to add as many coats as you wish until you like the results.
It shouldn't be uneven though. Do you mean humps and valleys along the length of the wrap?
Fly rod wraps when finished should be as short as possible. maybe you were not applying it evenly. On a short wrap you don't have ot do much "sidewise" pulling of finish - except on the butt wrap.
My email is "visable" if you want to shoot me a picure.
Herb
CTS

Tom, with fly rods i like to keep epoxy coats down to just one coat..the only way i know to do that is to first seal the wraps with color preserver, then the epoxy goes on without soaking into the wrap and creating thick and thin spots which must be coated with epoxy again and again just making the wraps heavier and heavier..CP to seal is much lighter than epoxy to seal the wraps..

Tom,
I doubt you are doing anything incorrectly while applying thread finish; each finish requires a bit of a learning-curve to get comfortable with its own properties and end-results. BASICALLY, high-build thread finishes enable a single coat to be applied but may not level/flow out as well as regular or light counterparts. I typically use the light versions to keep the overall weight down on ultra-light rods and simply add a coat, or two, with the heavier saltwater builds. I prefer the visible thread definition on my trout builds but glob it on the saltwater builds for additional protection from the harsh environment and where weight is a mood-point.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Thanks for the help everyone -

This forum is very useful, the responses friendly and on point.

I'm going to do some more research, do some testing with additional coats.

This whole experience - starting to build rods - has been really fun and interesting.

Yet another hooked on rod building.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

Tom

Give me a call. I would be happy to talk to you.

512-858-7742

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

Hi John -

Many thanks for that offer. What great customer service.

I applied another coat last night- the Lite version- and I'm pretty happy with the result.

I need to get the rod out in the sun for a final look, but again I think it looks pretty good.

Your company's video tutorials are great, by the way.

If I run into some sort of hitch, I'll give you a call.

Take care,

Tom