I have been finishing my rods on to the winding check for a smooth transition to the blank. My question is do most people cover the whole check all the way to the cork handle? Also, on split grips I haven't done any finishing on the blank or checks between the split. Curious on what other folks do. Sorry for all the new guy questions. I appreciate the responses. Thanks. Gary

Plain rubber checks I lightly finish. Anything decorative such as aluminum checks I stop the finish at the leading edge of the check. On split grips I do a check on the end of each grip and a trim band. Trim band gets finished just like a guide wrap, blank left alone.

Thanks Michael. When you lightly finish the check do you take it to the cork?

Gary,
Actually, I never ever put any finish on winding checks. I have no reason to put finish on the checks so I simply don't do it.

Take care

I also don’t finish the checks, or the blank. Just the wraps.
Norm

Thanks guys. Just wanted to make sure I didn't need to epoxy the check where it meets the cork. I was worried about water intrusion. Sounds like it doesn't matter. I'll keep my current method.

Gary,
In the grand scheme of things, it boils down to personal preference although I would agree with others that finish on a winding check is unnecessary. I personally do not care for winding checks and in lieu of them I simply build a radiused fillet of thread finish, usually tinted.
By the way, there is no need to apologize for asking questions, “new guy” or other; that is what this site is all about. We are all here to learn, “new guy” or other!

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

I take the finish to the cork with the rubber checks. Mainly for me it is just easier to get a clean edge to the finish this way. Whatever works for you though. This is not a critical part of the build by any means

Same as Norman, here. Sometimes I put a wrap or a wrap with a trim band at each end of the split grips, sometimes not. It just depends.

I usually use aluminum winding checks and I mainly make rods for saltwater so I cover my checks with wrapping epoxy just in case the anodizing is no good or gets scratched (like I have seen happen) and begins to corrode. It also seals the cork or seat for water leakage into the seat or under the cork through capillary action. To me it looks better or cleaner. I also put winding checks between the split in the grip.

I don't put finish on checks, Don't care for the look. I almost always leave a gap between the end of my wrap and the check. Leaving a short portion of blank exposed.

Thanks for the responses. Lance hit the nail on the head for why I posted the question. I'm building both fresh and saltwater rods and was curious about water intrusion under the handle. Of course, I probably don't fish enough for this to be a problem.

I finish them ,just because I don't know if the manufacturer has incorporated an adequate UV protectant in the formula. I'll trust my finish provider with that. Don't ask how many checks I've seen degraded . Installation method should ensure that there is no water intrusion.

Grant. Can you elaborate on installation method? I just use the same epoxy I use while installing the the handle.

I put finish on checks - I find it easier to get the edge I want at the top edge. I have also use winding checks as a ramp for thread and then finish. This is easier and less time consuming for me than building the ramp out of epoxy.

Jon Hood

I don't care for ramps.

I dont finish my checks, all aluminum, with a wrap in front of the check that is finished. I also finish the area between the checks on my split grip ( around 4 inches ) and place my rod decal their, put second coat after decal is placed. I also have a check at the front of reel seat followed with wrap, 3 inch space and another wrap and place my company label their, again the whole area gets finished twice. Dont know if this is the best way to do it as I am sure I am adding weight. Could I just finish the wraps and put a coat of finish under and over the decals,and not do the entire section of rod. Thanks