#1- I built a fly rod from a Loomis GLX matte finish blank. The thread coverings I'm aweare of give a gloss finish to the threads. Are there thread finishes that render a matte finish?

#2 - I did not check the handle diameter before installing. It is a 9' 9" 6wt and while it turned out fine I would like just a little thicker cork handle. How? Rebuild?

Bill: I'm not aware of finishes that will produce a matte finish, but NCP thread might be an answer. John

You can dull the finish on your wraps by lightly buffing with a fine mesh 3M plastic pad. But why?

In an earlier post on this board, Ralph O'Quinn mentioned that certain pigments could be added to finish to achieve a particular color. You might consider coloring your finish to match the blank. Lots of options here. (Scroll back a couple weeks or use the archives to search for this topic. I recall it was under coloring/finish.)

There are also "dulling" pigments available. I do not know if they would be compatible with epoxy rod finish however. Some experimentation on your part may be necessary. Let us know if you pursue this.

On the handle, I think you are faced with either wrapping something over what you have (tommytape, leather, etc.,) or removing and installing a new grip.

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I've colored epoxy flies using just a tad of RIT dye dissolved in isopropyl alcohol. A drop of this mixture goes a long way, so go easy when you add it to the mixed epoxy. And be sure to experiment before trying it on nice wraps.

Tad Definition
Sorry, a tad is Arkansas speak for a little bit. It more commonly is used to refer to a small child.
Clyde

I've used Liquid Rit Dye works great just a drop or a tad as Clyde said i'm originally frome the south iv allways called a little bit a tad.with the liquid you don't have to dissolve in alcohol but the liquid don't have all the colors like the dry Rit Dye.later regards John

Another way to dye thread finish is to use a tad of gelcoat pigment disolved in alcohol. I've only done this with flex coat so if you use another brand of finish, please experiment before you apply it to your wraps. I've never tried it with wrap finish, but an old painters trick is to add a bit of fine ground chalk to a gloss finish paint to "break the gloss".