I am looking for a durable finish to be applied to flat black graphite rod blanks. Also, how is it applied. I appreciate any input. Thanks, Joe
Forum: rodboard

Hi guys, I was just wondering what you guys do when you have an open butt wrap that is primarily yellow in color? I am coming to the conclusion that yellow thread was created by some sick sadist as his idea of a joke.....it is practicaly impossible to finish properly. I have used Gudebrod, Madeira, and Sulky....they are all the same.....very disappointing. Farid
Forum: rodboard

In an attempt to enhance my fly rod building skills, I would like to know about the proper procedures and the best finish products for placing a clear coat finish on fiberglass fly rod blanks and for wrapping guides with silk thread? Is blank finished rubbed on by hand, or is it brushed on or sprayed on while a rod is turning? Is this finish applied before the guides are wrapped with silk t
Forum: rodboard

When using underwraps what is the preferred finish application sequence? Should I apply the CP to the underwrap and let this dry or is it better to apply the CP and let it dry then apply a layer of epoxy and let this dry prior to doing the final overwrap? Would it be better to just do the underwrap then the overwrap, then apply the CP and epoxy as one would do for a single wrap? Weight and bla
Forum: rodboard

I’m a part-time rodbuilder who has just started to build a few rods for clients and would like to begin attracting some more clients. Feedback of my work has been very positive so far and I’m very confident in providing a high-quality product to those requesting a professional custom rod. I’ve built many different styles of rods and withstood a lot of trial-and-error to finally be confide
Forum: rodboard

This is not a question, but a note on a decent tinting agent I found for Permagloss. Most of the tinting agents I have used in the past have made Permagloss at least partly opaque, but I found one that leaves it very clear, although there aren't a lot of color choices. The product is a hobby paint called Mr. Color by Japanese company Mr. Hobby and is available at hobby stores and websites. T
Forum: rodboard

I've had a request to build a 7', Medium/Light/Fast spinning rod. Has anyone used the SJ842-MHX (Mudhole) blank and if so, you or your customers opinion? The end user will be using it for light jigs in deep (30'+) water. Also, many thanks to Denny Kaneoka from Seeker - He was exceptionally kind and generous to my Grandson and me at the ICRBE! I look forward to taking him fishing the next ti
Forum: rodboard

I use permagloss on my light, single hand fly rods. I'm considering using permagloss on the wraps of 7 wt, 8 wt and 10 wt spey rods and I'm wondering if anyone has experience using it in this application. It seems it should be just as effective on spey rods. Is it? Is there anything I need to be mindful of using it on spey rods vs lighter, single hand rods? Thanks, George
Forum: rodboard

I went to a fly fishing show this past weekend and saw some superbly crafted bamboo rods from Rolf Baginski of Germany. I saw one rod where he used the white silk on the wraps, making it look transparent. What caughty attention initially was that I could see all the the guide feet. As I said the finish was superb - but what do you use to coat the bamboo blank? A spar varnish? Permagloss? W
Forum: rodboard

Hello everyone, I'm new to this board but not to rodcrafting. I gave Permagloss a whirl 24 years ago. Ended up with too many bubbles to make it worth my trouble. Can't remember if it was because I over brushed it (most likely) or if it was due to applying second coat too soon. All I know is that I ended up rewrapping the rod and using epoxy. Is it better to use a brush with a fine or coarse br
Forum: rodboard

Do you think that some of you unbelieveable craftsmen might be willing to provide some suggestions on handle finishes? What works best, most durable, easiest and hardest to work with, etc. Anything the members of this forum are willing to provide would be appreciated. Thanks.
Forum: rodboard

Hey, I know....I should have poured my own or got with Riley Rods. But I didn't. So, first time working with the stuff. It looks a little devoid of finish. Is something required....desired? I'll assume thread coating epoxy is too soft and the right type would yellow a lot. So what to use....permagloss....spar varnish.....auto clear coat? If spar varnish will do...which one? Wipe on, s
Forum: rodboard

Gidday Lads, For the first time in my rod building carreer, I am about to refinish an entire blank with Permagloss using the coffee filter application technique I have read about through the forum. After this, I intend to wrap the guides and apply Threadmaster as I usually do. My questions is, do I need to apply a coat of Threadmaster to the decal area prior to applying the decals or, wi
Forum: rodboard

OK, there must really be a secret to use of Perma Gloss. I have tried multiple times to use this and find it virtually impossible to get a flawless finish. I've tried multiple types of brushes and tried wiping it on also. With brushing you just don't seem to get that nice level finish over the entire length of the rod, and with wiping it seems impossible to apply enough to get the shiny finish
Forum: rodboard

How long do you wait between coats on guide wraps? I can not get a finish without bubbles. When I put if on it looks great no bubbles, wait an 1 1/2 hours, still no bubbles, and then apply one more coat. Wake up in the morning and there are bubbles in the finish. And it was looking so nice. Any help would be appreciated. I have searched for this and people have written wait 1 to 2 h
Forum: rodboard

Hi All, I just finished my first 4 piece fly rod paint and permagloss application - looks great! However, as with everything you do for the first time, you don't realise the errors until after the event. The issue is that I have too much permagloss on the feral sections, therefore not allowing the ferals to fit in deep enough. I know how to fix it - just sand down the permagloss on th
Forum: rodboard

I have been asked to build a couple of Bamboo fly rods. These are for people that just want to get started with bamboo rods, and don't want to shell out several thousand dollars for a "classic" cane rod. I have been doing some research, and have located a company that will sell me blanks at a reasonable price. I would like to build these rods in the "classic" style. Agate
Forum: rodboard

Hi guys, Am new to this forum and the site has a lot of good stuff. I would like to ask a question: Am an avid fisherman and have made up my own rods for years. But never had refinished one. Years ago, made up 4, 13.5ft. Fenwick blanks for surf casting. All double wrapped, fuji guides, the works. Beautiful rods and have given me great service but after years of hard use, are now star
Forum: rodboard

Hi, I am preparing to paint a blank for the first time. I painted 2 coast on a broken section of a rod as a tester to see how I would go - luckily. Painting the rod was easy, but I had issues when applying Permagloss. When I applied PG to the painted blank, it started to take the paint off, and you could see the blank underneath! I was using a make up pad to apply the PG. I th
Forum: rodboard

I remember seeing a post about applying epoxy finish very thinly and not needing to turn the rod while it dries. Has anyone had success with this? What finish do you use?
Forum: rodboard

Have seen a few offerings for painted Fuji reel seats, anyone know where you can purchase a painted reel seat. Rather be able to use paypal to purchase.
Forum: rodboard

I've read many posts here concerning the application of Permagloss to rods that have been either painted or stripped - they include using foam brushes, cheeze cloth, etc. Today I found my perfect applicator...make up sponges! Yep, the little triangle foam's used to apply women's make up. I've never seen a post about them (been a member for about 4-months and also a subscriber to the magazine)
Forum: rodboard

I'm planning to use permagloss to finish a couple of blue water fly rods, or should I stick to two part epoxy finishes-is PG up to the task? will it take abrasion well, and how good is its adhesion to the blank and strength to hold the singlefoot guides in place? I don't have much experience with PG. one other thing-I will be using it in a very humid 90 plus degree climate, will this affect how
Forum: rodboard

Humor me a bit.....I'm fascinated with the threadless look. I've done Permagloss threadless. No problem there. But now I have an application that needs the greater strength of thread wrap, but want to continue to have a transparent look with Permagloss. I thought about using real fine mono but my thought is that mono will weaken/stretch over the years in a way that normal wrapping thread
Forum: rodboard

Two quick questions. Now that permagloss threadless have been out for a bit, anyone can comment on the longevity of this technique after being fished hard? Also, is Permagloss a good coating for UV protection? (i.e. Is it a good single coat to prevent UV from penetrating?) Thanks, Mos
Forum: rodboard

is permagloss viscosity like water or is it sticky like syrup? can anyone point on a little bit detailed instruction on how to apply permagloss? i tried searching using exact phrase "how to apply permagloss" and nothing came out. please i need help bad. the permagloss i bought was very sticky, like cough syrup. i tried to install it using foam brush and the tiny bits of foam got st
Forum: rodboard

which is a better method of application, airbrush or saturated foam/coffee filter??? which will give you better results? thank you.
Forum: rodboard

I wrapped my first micro guide rod and applied the high build flex coat finish and noticed it is more diificult for me to get good coverage of the small area in front of the guide due to the guide being so small and low profile........what are some finish application tips to get good coverage without making a mess and getting finish in the guides...... THX
Forum: rodboard

I built an epoxy ramp with 5 minute epoxy. Waited a day. Wrapped it with black nylon Gudebrod A. Coated it with one layer of Flex Coat CP. Waited a day. Applied one coat of PG. Waited a week. Applied the second coat of PG. Zillions of bubbles appeared instantly, and they seem to be in the first coat, as I could not remove them with the use of heat. Any ideas on what I did wrong?
Forum: rodboard

Howdy, I've come across several posts about painting blanks and have been drawn to Duplicolor Mirage. Manufacturer's photos look wild. Also saw several posts about Mirage that are from some years back. So I'm wondering.......... Have these paint jobs held up over the years? If not, why? If so, what helped? Has the Mirage 3 step system been adequate for a rod blank? If not, why? Is there a
Forum: rodboard