I am having an issue with my epoxy not adhering to different parts of the wrap leaving a fish eye appearance. This has happened with the last 4 coats of epoxy applied. Fist off, I have been building rods for over 25 years and this has never happened with consistency. In the past, I have had issues if I tried to coat over something that had cured or had been inadvertently contaminated, but this is something different. I first thought my epoxy had gone bad for some reason so I replaced it with a new Flex Coat, and have been very careful not to expose the wrap to any contaminants. I have not changed my practice, but for the life of me I can't figure out what the issue is. The only thing I can think is that it may be the blue painters tape I have been using? I can't imagine that would have the effect I'm talking about because I have even tried to wipe the wrap with DA and the problems persists. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Dave

Wiping a wrap with DA can cause such problems. don't do it. Don't touch the wrap with tape, either. It's another possible source of the problem, although not as likely as the DA.

Assuming your thread hasn't been contaminated with anything, nor your brush, and you aren't running your fingers all over the thread during or after wrapping, these problems won't occur.

...........

It could be the blue tape. Here is thread from over a year ago. [www.rodbuilding.org]
Norm

10-4 on Norman's comment.

Although, I have not experienced it myself, there have been a very few cases, where specific production runs of the Blue Masking tape have led to this issue.

Pick up some blue masking tape from a different source and see if makes any difference.

Best wishes.

Fish eyes can be tricky to diagnose. There has to be some contaminant coming from somewhere. It could be silicone lubricant, airborn cooking oil, dirty fingers, or even the tape and DNA. You have to be a detective and find it and get it out of your rod building room. Good luck.

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

Are we correct in assuming you have made no change in the thread we use?

Instead of changing brands of blue tape, remove it from the equation entirely.

I agree with Micheal, I don’t use any type of masking tape on rod blanks.
Norm

Read the thread Norm provided the link to, there are 2 pages.

If you are using embroidery thread such a Madera, it could cause problems. These type of threads are lubricated for use in sewing machines and if not coated with CP, fish eyes can occur.
Norm

I have been preplexed with some of my epoxy results because there are times I use blue tape to remove dust off the first coat of dried epoxy. I have been lost as to why the fish eyes show up. Mystery solved.

i think i may have the worst guide wrapping habits of anyone on this forum..i never wash my hands before starting..i use a fly tying bobbin and i am constantly handling the thread spool and thread..take breaks and eat something, and go back to winding without washing my hands..i only do one right thing and that is use CP on my completed wraps (usually two coats)and not touch them until finish is applied and dry..never any fish eyes..oh, and i never curse..lol.

I didn't consider the thread may have become contaminated...I'll trash that and get new. Thanks for all the tips.