I asked a question regarding Cp's a few days ago and the responses got me to thinking. SO while i was out at Joanns fabric and Gander Mountain I found what i thought would be interesting substitutes for the standard CP i have been buying. Here is what I got and tested and the results

1) Dritz Fray Check: Worked just like cp. Needed many coats on rayon thread to get desired results. I will use this stuff in a pinch if need be.

2) (now don't laugh) Kenyon Seam Sealer 3. It is a water based waterproof seam sealer used for tents/waterproof rain gear. 2 quick coats. Dries clear and there is little if no color variation on the thread I was testing it on. I will be using this on one of my next 2 personal musky rods.

3) and my personal favorite. Plaid Folkart Outdoor Satin or Glossy sealer. This is a Polyurethane sealant that when put on rayon, or metalic or standard winding thread has no color deviation. Even tried it on yellow and white verigated and it worked fantastic. It leaves a nice satin sheen that under the clear coat epoxy make the threads just stand out fantastic. It was easy to use, 1 coat and easy to clean up. only thing is you need to let it dry for 1/2 hour. I currently have a rod that i did last night on the dryer now with my first coat of epoxy.

Thanks,

Gregg

ps. all these products were relatively inexpensive.

Why bother with hobby alternatives when the real thing is so cheap and well-tested?

Jeff,

Good point. I had time on my hand. Had this urge to experiment. You never know when you stumble on something great. The pricing is about 1/2 of the tried and true and i can get this stuff in 10 min. I was out of cp and needed something for a rod that was to be done and did not want to wait 3 or 4 days to get it. Also I have been using a lot of Rayon thread and cp seems too dull it a bit (even thinned) and takes a ton of coats to protect it. The product that I loved was the stuff from Plaid. 1 coat is all it took I looked at my test wraps and the rod i just did in the sunlight today and wow with the clear coat on the colors really jumped out at you.

Gregg

I guess knowing what works in a pinch (you run out) is a good thing to know.

Gregg,

Nice to know someone tries to buck the trend now and then also.

Now..........how about giving this sealer the real test. Tape off part of the wrap and leave it in the sun for a couple of days and check fading/color changes, etc.. The old weather aging test used in manufacturing for many outdoor products.

Maybe do it this weekend and give us a short 2-3 day check for starters and then maybe check back in a week or so. How about doing a test swatch on something and leave it out for several days/weeks.... We all want something better but we also don't want customers coming back after one season complaining that all the color is gone.

anxious to hear your results.

larry