I am building my first rod and was wanting to put my name and rod info on the blank using a gel pen. How is the best way to prepare the rod and how do you preserve the info you put on the rod? Should I use CP and finish or just finish? I don't know if it matters but, I will be using Cabela's CP and finish.
Thanks in advance.

Brad,

I find the jell pens work best for me if I lay down a coat of finish first to write on. After the finish dries, you can write your info and then coat over the writing. I have found some jell pens that stand up to the finish but it is safer to put a coat of color preserver over the lettering before putting on your second coat of finish. In all these cases, make sure the jell writing is completely dry before coating with anything.
Good luck!

Dan Craft

Grad,

I agree with Dan 100%. A coat of epxoy should go down first, then apply decal or inscription about 24 hours later. Epoxy over and you're set. Email me if you'd like some photos of my examples.

John
dewitt_j@denison.edu

Dan or John what about peel and stick decals are they the same as the waterslide decals? Thanks Jim

Brad; I would suggest to use flex coat CP, the cabellas is I think a lacquer and very strong-you may get a reaction. What was said already plus what I do is put my first letter on then put a piece of 1/4" tape under to give me a line to wright over. Then I heat the ink with a hair dryer, to help and make sure it is dry. James; Check out Decal Connection for info on decals

Suggest to you a method that has worked for me. Use gel pen directly on the clean and oil free rod blank. Spray with UV krylon clear coat. Finish epoxy, for a beautiful finish.
Kenneth Prager

James,

Peel and stick decals are a bit thicker and don't have the totally clean, disappearing effect that most water slide decals do.

........

Thanks for all the info. I'll put it all to good use - - - - hopefully.