Recently purchased a CTS spin blank. Came factory labeled. Not a big fan of labels mainly the application and finishing of them. Anyways I will live with the label since it is already on the blank. Wondering how durable these labels are if I don't finish over them. If it where to wear off evenly over time fine but I don't want it to flake away and look terrible after just a couple uses. Thought of buffing it off but the blank is matte and I will end up with a shiny spot. If I do need epoxy over it what's the best process? I plan to bracket the label with small trim wraps. Be easy enough to extend the finish I guess. Any need for CP over the label I will use it on the trim wraps.

CTS labels are top notch , no need to epoxy over them . Many people like to apply a carnauba wax to keep their rods looking brand new , if you do this just remember to avoid 'cleaner wax' , get regular non cleaner wax because cleaner waxes have mild abrasives in them which could possibly wear off the label a bit over the long term.

Decal connection makes perfect CTS labels and are approved by CTS to do just that if you needed a replacement .

Thanks for the quick reply. My OCD kicks in trying to get a section of finish longer than a guide wrap perfectly level, never ends well..

I cover the new labels with epoxy, no need for CP or anything to pre coat them before using your thread finish epoxy. I don’t have any problems with getting a level, long finish spot. Although I will say the higher viscosity finishes seem to work better on longer finish spots, they just level easier. Probably has something to do with how I apply my finish also.

One cool thing is that you can specify how far up from the bottom of the butt section you want the label to start. I just say to Herb when I make a blank order, this many inches from bottom of each blank. I take into consideration reel seat, grip and hook keeper lengths on the fly rods I build. The other option is having or not having the alignment marks on multi piece blanks.

Is the "label" an stick-on label or a screen printing on the blank? If the latter, then no finish is necessary.

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Thanks Chris and Bill.

The CTS Logo and Blank Specs (if requested) is screen painted. As Tom said - no finish is necessary. But no harm if you do.

As Bill said - when blanks are ordered through me - You will have to tell me how far from the butt you want the "CTS" logo. Also - do yoiu want it on the spine? 180 degrees from the spine? On the Right Hand Side (normal placement).

Also - do you want the Blank Specs following the Logo. i.e. "CTS Affinity-X 9.0 #5. (No extra charge)
You may have the writing in White, Black or Teal.

You may also request Spine/Alignment marks on the ferrules. + $10.

Also - since most blanks ordered through me are FedExed from me to the customer - woud be helpful if you told me if Signature is Required at time of delivery.

Happy New year,
Herb



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/02/2022 09:04PM by Herb Ladenheim.

The CTS surf blank I bought at the last Expo has the info painted on, or whatever you call it. I do put a coat of epoxy over it just for additional protection.

There's that nasty spine thing again. lol