I use threadmaster lite. Been happy with it. I always do two maybe three coats. I have always been able to get another coat on within about 24 hours. Which instructions say is the cutoff time for second coat. Well I am uncertain if I am going to get around to another coat in time. Of course this is after first coat is on the rod turning. I figure if anything a light scuffing and I should have no trouble with another coat at any time. Wondering from those with experience how far I can push it without any extra surface prep before another coat? Thanks.

I haven't used threadmaster in awhile so I don't know if its the same for others.. If the finish is still a bit tacky, I will apply a second coat without any prep. If it is not tacky, then I will scuff it a bit. I normally don't try to put any additional coats on after 48 hrs.

I've "pushed it" to about 30 hours. Don't recommend it but got away with it.

I'e been using TM for 15 years, I've never one time in my entire rodbuilding life scuffed ANY finish. Not after a day, not after 30 days. WOrst advice ever

I've touched up the wraps on rods that are years old with Flex Coat and never had a problem. I made sure they were clean, but don't think I ever scuffed them.

You can apply a second application for several days after the first without any additional surface prep.

..........

I mostly use ThreadMaster regular and have never had a problem recoating, even after weeks to months, and some cases years, without the need for scuffing. It might not be recommended but no problems.
Norm

Over the years, I have built a lot of rods. I normally use one coat of finish.

But, there have been times on a refinish when replacing a broken or missing guide - I will apply a coat of finish on the guide or guides that I have replaced and will go ahead and apply a coat of finish to all of the rest of the guides which have been on the rod from the beginning.

As Billy says, I have never every scuffed an existing wrap, no matter the age before applying a coat and as far as I know there has never been an issue with any of the refinished guides. I have only and have ever used standard Flex coat finish and have no issues.

Take care

Michael
I use Threadmaster Lite all of the time. I also use 2 or 3 coats on my guide wraps. I have never had any problem with applying a 2nd or 3rd coat after 2 or 3 days if necessary. My ususal wait time for is about 24hrs.
Rog

I also use TM Lite and apply 2 coats. That's plenty for me. I never had to scuff the first coat either.

Michael S.,
If an additional coat is necessary, most epoxies will benefit if applied just before or after the “no fingerprint” stage of cure of the first to produce a “chemical” bond between the two. Since most epoxies require a number of days to fully cure (unless post cured at an elevated temperature), additional coats 2-5 days later can be applied and still achieve a chemical bond, just not as good as at the no fingerprint stage. A chemical bond is always better than a mechanical (sanded/scuffed) bond.
That being said, a chemical bond is imperative with laminating and structural composite epoxy structures but much less crucial concerning thread wrap finish epoxy; after all, we are not building space craft. Thread wrap epoxy is also inherently flexible. Therefore, I certainly agree with Billy, Michael D., Tom, Norman and both Rogers in those additional coats can be applied quite a while after the first without problems as long as the surface is free of any contaminates. While scuffing certainly will not hurt anything, in this circumstance I think it is unnecessary and only adds time and possible dust contamination.

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