Silk wraps on graphite

[jpr9954]

I know silk is traditional on bamboo rods. Is there any reason not to use silk on graphite rods?

I am thinking of using white silk on a matte gray blank. I understand that when the finish is applied, it will look clear. Can I use an epoxy finish or should I use urethane with silk?

Thanks

-John

[Mike Popick]

There is no reason for you not to be able to use silk on graphite, as for the transparent finish you want you must make sure that the wrap is tight - by this I mean that there are no gaps between threads and not to over tension the wrap - burnish the wrap and apply 50/50 varnish - Goldenwitch sells a product for transparent wraps - you then bulid up the finish with multiple coats of urethane or epoxy - your choice - I never seen a graphite with clear wraps but it sounds awesome and I might give it a try.

[dleo6446]

Depending on the color of Thread you use, the epoxy will make it translucent.

[jpr9954]

When you say 50/50 varnish, do you mean varnish thinned down with something or a specific sort of varnish? I did check out the goldenwitch.com site.

-John

[Mike Popick]

thin the varnish with turpentine 50/50, mineral spirits may make the varnish a little cloudy. do a test on the butt section where the cork grip or reel seat is located, after the test you can easily remove the wrap.

[jpr9954]

Thanks for clarifying the 50/50 mixture.

That's a great tip about doing the test area where the reel seat or grip is supposed to go.

-John