Rod finish???

Is rod finish what is applied to the guide wraps? Or is it something different that goes on after the wraps have been glued?

You will wrap your guide on with thread, then apply finish to protect the threads. The only other optional addition would be color preserver, but it is only used to get the thread to look the way you want.
Glue should only be used for the handle/seat and tip top.

So the finish is just slow set epoxy?

Rod finish is special ... most are two part epoxies - however there are urethane and adhesive based finishes on the market as well. You most definitely should use a finish specifically designed for the rod builder.

TJ -

There are several brands out there like flexcoat, rodmaster, aftcote, duracoat, duragloss, and others. It is hard to beat FlexCoat IMO, but a lot of guys use other brands for a lot of different reasons. I'd suggest that you pick a brand that works for you and stick with it. They all work just a little differently, so I'd suggest buying a smaller size and try it. If you don't like it then go to another. If it works ok, go with it. The only finish I've ever had a problem with is the cabelas finish in the premeasured envelopes. I've had to remove everything I've ever put on.

If you decide to try Flexcoat, do be sure to special order the Light Build WITH the UV inhibitor in it. The stuff packaged and sold for rodbuilding purposes will turn YELLOW very quickly once the sun gets hold of it. The OEM builders have there FC shipped with the inhibitor in it, unfortunately price keeps the retail stuff from coming that way unless you special order it.

TJ -

Thanks for the info guys.