I have one guide and the stripper to wrap and I'll be ready to finish my first rod. Oops, forgot the hook keeper....now, I'll be ready....

How do most of you apply the finish; smooth it with a tool(knitting needle as Garcia shows) or brush it on? And, why?

Other than the frustration of starting the tread at the very tiny tip end, getting the thread up the guide foot, whip finishing without fuzzies, going cross-eyed using these damned bifocals and whatever else is in store when I begin coating the wraps....I had fun!!!!!

Jim