Just finished wrapping a rod. Second coat of CP is drying. For whatever reason a thought popped into my head. Should I be cleaning up any dried color preserver prior to applying epoxy? I keep things fairly neat. Never done anything more than wick any noticeable excess off the rod with my brush. But if CP prevents epoxy from absorbing into thread could it also prevent epoxy from bonding well with the blank and sealing the wraps? Thinking a careful wipe with DNA will make sure I have a clean surface to ensure a good bond. Any thoughts???

The CP will soak into the thread and seal the wraps. Do not wipe anything with DNA - that is simply asking for trouble. It's a rookie mistake.

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Don’t do it. The cp penetrates the threads and bonds them to the blank. The Cp does not allow the epoxy to penetrate and darken the threads, and thus allows the true thread color to be retained. That’s the reason you use Cp.
Norm

It sounds like you are talking about CP outside the thread wraps. If that is the case and it is water based, you should be able clean it off with a wet rag.

Yep talking about any excess on the blank not the thread. I typically clean my brushes of CP with DNA then flush with water. Was thinking the same approach with the blank along the edges of the wrap.I have seen a few times now in different situations that DNA is no go. I always thought it to be one of the cleaner least likely to cause problems solvent like cleaners. Please enlighten me as to the reasons to not use it for rodbuilding. Thanks

Flex coat color preserver cleans up with water and soap.

For excess cp on the rod and guide wraps I use a moist almost dry (water only) gauze pad and wipe the troubled areas.

Before the thread finish is applied I inspect the wrap for lint or any other contaminants.

DNA is very useful for rodbuilders, but it's not needed to remove excess CP.