I've made a half dozen rods in my life. The first couple used color preserver but it came out splotchy. It 's as if I didn't apply it completely.
The next three rods I didn't bother with the preserver and just put up with the dark wraps. It tried it again on my current build and sure enough got blotch results even with two careful coats. One of the wraps was real bad so I did it over and unfortunately it came out bad again.
I'm using Flexcoat color preserver.
Got any hints?
I'm thinking of trying to make a rig that dispenses the color preserver on the thread just before it goes on the wrap (while wrapping).
Have you ever tried wrapping thread that was wet with color preserver?

Are you thinning the CP? If so, don't. Put on a full wet coat. Two should suffice.

If your wraps are not packed well you can get the same blotchy look and think it was the CP that didn't do its job.

.............

Agree with Tom on this one. And after give it 24 hrs drying time.

I don't thin the preserver and my wraps are packed but I may be guilty of not giving it enough drying time.
Thanks for the input Tom and Jay.

Assume you’re talking about guide wraps? Are you making sure to saturate the tunnels with CP, and using a couple good coats of CP, wicking off any excess after it’s had a chance to soak in?

Often folks that have issues with splotchy wraps are applying it like you would finish but not making sure to force the CP into the tunnels - then when you apply finish and it wicks into the tunnels it saturates then thread from the back side

One aspect of using most CP's that has not been mentioned is that the solids in them that work in saving color can settle out. So if you don't mix your CP well before using it, you may not be getting its full power. The comments on the tunnels are important too, because capillary action @#$%& the CP down into the tunnels and you must keep adding it to the tunnels until it no longer disappears into the tunnels before you give up on adding it.

I always mix it first, then apply it liberally, keeping adding it to the tunnels until they won't take any more, the use a paper towel to take off the excess. Then let it dry overnight. Then do it again.

No problems.

Another issue I found using color preserver, especially with lighter color thread, is the oil froim my hands on the wraps. Had to make doubly sure my hands were clean before I handled the thread to ensure the color wasn't blotchy! Any contamination on the thread can affect the absorption of the CP and create irregularities.

Jim

If you are still having any problems with our CP, please consider giving me a call and we can work it out together.

512-858-7742

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

Nice work, John Cates. Not unusual, for sure.