Gudebrod or Flex-Coat?

[Lotech]

I've had marginal luck using Gudebrod Rod Varnish to finish guide windings and was wondering what everyone else uses as their favorite wrap finish. I've never tried Flex-Coat or any other kind. What is your favorite?

[fishbum]

I use Flex-Coat on all the rods I make. On Bamboo rods with clear wraps thin about 30% with denatured alcohol, a second thin coat then varnish.

On color preserved wraps I don't thin as much, maybe 15%. One thin level coat and then the varnish that is used to finish the whole rod.

fishbum

[ol' blue]

I've always used Flex-coat regular build with good results. I recently tried the lite style, and don't like it as well. I think it is just because I'm used to the regular, and have developed my methods to work with it. I'll probably stay with the regular build in the future.

[Orthoman]

I build graphite rods and therefore usually use the Flex coat lite and apply several ( 2 or 3) layers. I personally like a little build up but not so much it looks like a football. I have not used the regular build Flex Coat. On my last rod, I used varnish and I didn't get the build up I like; however, it would probably be the way to go with Bamboo.

I have found that Varnish dries much much faster than Flex Coat. For me, it seems like it takes all day for the flex coat to "dry" whereas the varnish seems to dry in an hour or so.
Next build, I will be using Flex Coat lite again.

[setnhooked]

I really like Threadmaster Lite. The finish is super easy to apply, levels wonderfully, great pot life, and cures like glass. Highly recommend! You can get this from a variety of places.

[Joel D. Popham]

Joe,

Run over to Cabala's and see if they have any of their pre-measured packets. I have used it with a lot of success on the last 4 rods I built. It takes the guess work out of measuring. One packet is plenty for one coat on a rod. Best Regards....

[Lotech]

Joel,
You and I need to tie up. I'm in the middle of building a fiberglass light weight rod and I have some unique ideas. Let's talk some more. OK?

Joe,

Run over to Cabala's and see if they have any of their pre-measured packets. I have used it with a lot of success on the last 4 rods I built. It takes the guess work out of measuring. One packet is plenty for one coat on a rod. Best Regards....

[Joel D. Popham]

PM sent....

[bugman]

i use Gudebrod Rod Varnish on bamboo rods and sometimes spar varnish as an overcoat

[Midwest Custom Fly Rods]

I use Threadmaster original formula for graphite rods, and Threadmaster Lite for my cane rods.

Steve