amateur move

I have trouble making the epoxy over the butt wraps and inscription look nice and smooth. It is such a large area so any dust or lumps or uneven epoxy adds up. I haven't been satisfied with my first three rods in this area, though it is just a cosmetic thing. I want to be able to say "I made this rod" and not have anything to embarrassed about.

On my fourth rod, a 3 wt, I just finished the butt section with LS Supreme instead of high build, thinking it would flow out better. I used the decal that came with the blank. The epoxy ended up fish-eying over some of the decal and I ended up messing with it too much so it looks all lumpy. I should have cleaned the decal off with denatured alcohol to get any adhesive off the edges. Unfortunately, learning by your mistakes means you will make mistakes first.I have been saving my 4wt kit untill I get up higher on this learning curve since that will be my go to rod.

On a positive note, for those that like the thin look over the guide wraps, the low build epoxy looks great with one coat. I used the spatula method to apply it generously and then skim off the excess. Also, thanks to those that replied about how much thread to start the guide wraps with. I kept it to three turns before going up the guide foot and it looks awesome.

Greg

I have had decent luck applying finish over the large area over decals, matter of fact all mine turned out quite well. I apply the finish in length wise strokes while turning the rod, then I make length wise strokes over and over till it seems level.
The "fish eyes" are a result of contamination on either the tread or blank itself.

I learned the hard way to always apply CP over the decal to ensure that the epoxy does not destroy the decal (some types do). Also, using the credit card method of applying epoxy eliminates most of the waves and ripples you get on the butt wraps. Simply cut a card to about 5/16" strip and use this to apply the epoxy. Remember not add too much epoxy or it will drip/sag and cause waves no matter how you apply it.

Jim Smith