Working with 3/0 silk, I amusing Permagloss as my finish w/ U-40 color lock as my CP. Any other suggestions for a better-binding CP? I have read that the U-40 stuff will eventually crack and loosen over time as the rod is flexed thru fishing.

None of the modern day color preservers will crack - they are far too flexible for that. The finish may crack or craze at the edge of the guide foot. That is a result of the difference in flex between the guide foot and the blank. The remedy, while not always perfect, is often better guide foot prep including a more shallow angle on the foot end.

As 20 rod builders what is the best color preserver and you may get 20 different answers. Over the years my personal favorites have been Bullard CPX, Epoxy Coatings Company SC215 and Gudebrod 811. I have also used Brillance, Flex Coat, and U-40 Color Lock and had good results.

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Thanks Tom!

CPX from Bullard was the BEST! Very thin and penetrated great but it was clear and water soluble. Have no idea what it was but would love to find some more. Great color retention. Any holdovers out there?

I use Al's CP for silk thread. This is a solvent based (cleans up with water) CP which is made for use with silk thread wraps. I've not had any problems with it although I think proper application is more important than brand when it comes to CP.

Andy

Sean,
Andy's right on with Al's solvent based CP for SILK. Remember you need to saturate and then rotate the rod until dry (an hour or two), then reapply a second coat repeating the procedure. This is what's recommended and it works for us. I've used this stuff mostly with size A silk thread wraps and buttwraps.

I usually recommend for nylon #811 gudebrod or U-40 color lock.
Nice clear results if used properly, with good color retention.

Rich
Solryich Custom Rods

I had forgotten about Al's variety. I have a bottle here that I need to try.

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Tom,
I think you'll like the results with Al's on silk. I've not used it on nylon so can't comment on its performance there.

Andy

Where can I get Bullard CPX?