Quote Originally Posted by Bass_Bug View Post
I like the wax idea to prevent thread avalanches as Eric put it. I'm wondering though if you wax the thread at the head, will paint/lacquer stick? Many patterns get a painted head with painted eyes. When painting heads like there's no need for head cement, but these bigger heads are the worst for thread avalanches.
If you're using lacquer there's no problem, at least with the lacquer and wax that I use (both made by Veniard). Remember that you're probably using pre-waxed thread already anyway.

One potential problem with finishing the head and a heavily waxed thread is that pulling the whip finish tight will scrape wax off and cause a little lump of wax at the knot. This doesn't make for a smooth finish; you'll want to remove it before applying paint or lacquer.