I finished my first fly rod in early October. I've built a bunch since then and my epoxy work has much improved. I pulled out that first rod, an NFC 6wt, and saw some imperfections in the finish. It is only cosmetic but it bothers me. My question is there a way to redo epoxy or add another coat this far removed without removing it all? Thanks. Gary

You can always add another coat. I have also found you can sand/file as aggressively as desired provided you don't damage the threads.

Coats after 24 to 48 hours are no longer a chemical bond, only an adhesive bond. Still that is "good enough".

Russ in Hollywood, FL.

No problem. If you have a gunk build up you can clean the guide wraps with soap and water and let them dry. A use tooth bush works great for this.Then rough up the guide wraps with an extra fine ScothBrite pad (the grey ones) or extra fine steel wool, just enough to remove the gloss. Remove any dust with a clean dry cloth, and then add a thin coat of epoxy. This should solve your problem. I have done wraps like this after years of use with no adhesion problems.
Norm

Thanks. On a few there is some extra build up visible. Almost like the epoxy was applied after it sat too long and wasn't able to self level. I'd like to knock it down a bit and put a thin coat on to blend it. Can I sand it down a bit?

Yes you can do that. Just don't sand into the threads. You can wrap a piece of fine sandpaper onto a popsicle stick, or use a fingernail Emory board, acts as a sanding block and will help to knock down the high spots.
Norm

Perfect. Thanks Norm. It's got two good coats on it so it shouldn't come close to the thread. I just want to blend it. I understand after a couple of months since the build it isn't a chemical bond but will an adhesive bond still look clear?

Yes, the wrap's matte grey finish after sanding will become gloss clear when the additional finish coat of epoxy is applied.

Hey Gary

Agree with everything said here. One other tip... if you go to a hobby store like Michaels or Hobby Lobby they sell very thin sanding sticks...almost like emery boards cut into long thin strips. I have found them very useful for small areas around guides and very delicate areas. They come in different grits as well. Good luck!

Chuck

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