I am getting ready to build a couple of NFC X-Ray blanks. Just wondering if the texture of the blank causes any issues with the label? Can the label be put directly on the blank or is some prep needed?

Thanks

you will need to cover the ridges to make a smooth surface.

You can apply a coat of epoxy on the blank alone first then put decal on top of that and apply 2nd coat of epoxy over decal. This way has turned out best for me.

What is your impression of the blanks? Certainly attractively priced. What type of rod you making? Please keep us informed of your final thoughts of X-Ray.

David, they are some of the best you can put in your hand. Period!!

Jeff, just completed building 4 X-ray rods. One thing I found out about the decals is the covering on the letter side (opposite side that goes on the rod) is it does not come off (at least for me) with the masking tape trick. On the second rod I thought the decal was coming off, then I realized it was the plastic tape covering the decal coming up out of the epoxy. I actually believe the first rod built the plastic cover did not come off and is still on the decal covered with epoxy. I did not see the plastic until building the second rod. What I did of the last two was put it on wait about 5 minutes and it started to raise. Then it can be pulled off leaving the decal in place.

I'd like to piggy back on this thread if I could. I built a couple of rods on X ray blanks last year, but I didn't receive any decals with them. I recently contacted NFC about getting two decals for those blanks, and I received them just this past week. They actually sent me the wrong ones the first time, which turns out to be a blessing as I have yet to put a decal on any of the rods I've built. So the extra decals will give me something to practice with.

Pat, I have yet to mess with the decals just yet. I sanded both of my X ray blanks so that they were smooth, so I had no need to put a coat of finish down first, but I did so because of what I read in a search I did about putting on decals. I just finished putting a coat on a practice rod I have, and will be trying putting my first decal on when the finish is dry enough. I think I get what you're saying about the plastic not coming off. I'm curious if you had any better results with any subsequent NFC decals you've put on?

Or anyone reading this thread that has experience with the NFC X ray decals, if they can share how they handled getting that stiff plastic to come off after putting the decal on, and before putting on the finish top coat?

I will definitely be thankful for any tips you or others can offer.

The plastic on top of the decal is there so you can burnish and smooth the label onto the blank without damaging it. Once the decal is smoothed down, just peel that protective plastic piece off, and you are ready to apply finish.
Norm

Norman, roger that. I just applied my practice decal. The plastic peeled off rather easily after I burnished the decal.

I also have to say to Phil Erickson if he is reading this thread, that I used his method of applying decals that I read when I did a search on the subject. It turned out perfect. Having the bed of finish just to the point of not fingerprinting allows the edge of the decal to blend in perfectly. You can't even see it.

First time decal came out looking like I had done hundreds of them.

I've said it before and I'll say it again. This place has awesome members !!! Thank god for Rodbuilding.org. Without it I'd still be fishing factory rods,

I love this place !!!

David, thank you! It is a proven method.

I have a rubber roller with a handle. I just tack the label centered, than use the roller to smooth it out and around the blank. This get all the air out, and after peeling the covering off, I can use a lot of pressure rolling over the blank and label. Now I do have a question, did I see somewhere to use thread finish on the label before epoxy?