Here is the result. Frankly, I figured it would darken more than it did. The thread is Fuji Ultra Poly in Goldenrod and the metallic is ProWrap in Gold Leaf, IIRC (had it for awhile). You can see the original color on the spool for comparison. I'm not crazy in love with the final color, but I'm glad I conducted the experiment. Besides, if I decide I don't care for it, I can always re-do them.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

edit: This is with two coats of Gen4.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2023 06:38AM by Daryl Ferguson.

Is that a regular thread, not NCP?

It’s Fuji Ultra Poly thread.



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 05/04/2023 07:02AM by Daryl Ferguson.

One can get some interesting colors by using regular nylon thread and no CP. For example, garnet turns into a color resembling ripe sweet cherries. Only way to know is to try them. I have not done this with poly thread, so cannot knowledgeably comment on what happens with it.


Some builders never use CP with regular nylon thread. I like CP in order to retain the brighter colors and the nice sheen of regular threads.

The color will be very impacted by the color underneath. Will look different on a black blank vs white - and then consider the guide foot color.

One thing to try - wrap in silver metallic (and if using size A poly perhaps do a light coat of epoxy) and then wrap the color thread, give a consistent color, no guide foot to be seen, and you get the benefit of the translucent depth

Silver metallic under wrap enhances the actual thread color. Especially orange and yellow. You can also use PG on the under wrap. It allows the over wrap to slide easily when packing.

I tried CP once, and maybe it was the brand that I used, I used ( U- 40 ) but I found that it dulled the sheen of regular nylon thread. I actually like the color change and the richness of color that finish over regular thread affords. I've stumbled on to some beautiful colors because of it. I usually buy a couple of different shades of thread so I can do a practice wrap to see how it looks.

I may be forced to use CP again in the future because I have some thread colors that look great on the spool, but look not so good when it changes color because of finish and the background it's on.

Copy that David.

I will not use CP on a rod, unless it is specifically requested by the client.

I prefer using NON ncp thread - with no separate coating.

I very much like the semi translucent and darker colors obtained with plain thread and no CP.

Best wishes

Re: Black Guide Foot

Had I known for certain I was going to go with a non-preserver thread, I would have gone for the stainless in lieu of the black. The dark foot definitely detracts, IMO.

Also, I'm intrigued with silver metallic suggestion. I think I may do a wrap on my practice blank to see how it looks.

I’m with Roger in not using CP or pre-coated thread. I select dark thread colors as most look nice after being wetted out with epoxy. I also consider that some of the blank color may show through. This actually allows for quite a bit of artistic license. A little VooDoo Dust pigment can add even more. Ultra Poly in maroon and blue dunn are both great without CP. They are are classic rod building colors, too. I think maroon especially looks right on raw carbon without edge bands. I feel that lighter colored CP wraps visually pop, sort of like whitewall tires do, and that this requires more thread work details to look right. To my eyes the dark, untreated colors balance out visually with little to no trim work. I don’t find trim bands or features like single wraps hard to do, I’ve just gotten use to simpler aesthetics akin to what many fly rod companies use.

Ah so Ultra Poly is a regular thread, thanks for clearing that up.

(I use Gudebrod)

I have never noticed that Flex Coat CP cuts the sheen of regular thread, either nylon or poly.