I'm new to building, still working on terminology, and am seeing and trying things for the first time.

I'm building a fly rod from an inexpensive kit, I've upgraded a few bits and pieces, but for me it's a good way to keep learning.

The blank I bought has a flat finish, that in the sunlight turns from the gray my color-blind eyes thought it was to a deep green.

I noticed that there was a bit of finish near near one of the ferrules, looks like epoxy, and it brought out a beautiful shiny finish that you can see into and see the fiber pattern.

So - my question. Do all carbon fiber rods start with that dull finish and are only given that gloss finish by applying epoxy or another finish?

I'm happy to do the research, I just need some conversational responses so I search using the most useful terms.

Many thanks -

Tom

Hi Tom,
If you go to [ctsfishing.com] you will see various paint colors - including the option of "P2000" which is raw carbon - with no finish at all.
All CTS paint finishes are Auto paint. I would venture a guess that most manufacturers do the same.
There are gloss finishes and Matte (Satin) finish.
There are some manufacturers, i think, that apply another clear-coat over the paint to protect the paint. But while this may somewhat protect the paint it does not protect the blank from damage to any meaningful degree.

Epoxy is not used on the surface of blanks - too heavy.

Just as an aside - all my personal CTS blanks/rods are ordered in P2000 because that results in the lightest build - paint does weigh something. Especially on the tip section.
Regards,
Herb
CTS Rep.

Gray matte is the carbon fiber color before any finish is applied to the blank. Any color then, is an applied finish of some type, usually a paint as Herb mentions above, some times a urethane clear.

Tom,
Herb is correct on all counts. He may have misunderstood your question though. I think you were asking if a shinny clear coat will bring out/enhance the appearance of the fiber weave = yes. While it will add weight to the rod, the tip section in particular, the amount is minimal and probably undetectable to the majority of fishermen, even fly fishermen. One thin coat of U40 PermaGloss will provide what you are looking for. I have enjoyed outstanding results with PG on my vintage Conolon blanks to highlight the FG weave just as you are seeking. Punch a hole in a thin, foam cosmetic pad the size of the blank diameter at the midpoint, saturate with PG, wipe it up the blank and back down over about 10-15 seconds and you are done.

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

Thanks so much-

This is exactly the sort of info I was looking for.

Tom

Tom, I am no expert and I have not done this myself, yet, but others here often recommend using a carnauba paste wax on raw carbon blanks to add a shiny finish without any clear coat. Search carnauba. (First search how to spell it correctly - I didn't!).

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