Is there a way to get a smooth edge to a wrap using a spatula, etc. to apply the finish? Is using a brush the only method that will allow for this?
Place a wrap of masking tape on the blank about 1/16 inch from the wrap before you apply the finish. After the finish has been applied remove the tape and the finish will flow naturally to a nice smooth edge.
Hi Sirrom! That’s how I got in trouble the first time–the finish ran underneath the tape. What did I do wrong?
Bruce
Not sure what happened. Make sure that the tape is wrapped tight and use quality masking tape.
Use “fine line” tape, or eqiivalent tape from the auto supply store. Mine is purple. Remove immediately.
Do you know anyone close by who knits? Maybe they would sacrifice a knitting needle for you? You can balance your hand on the other hand (that is already balanced on the table top), and just barely touching the needle to the rod, allow a very small flow of finish off the end of the needle in a perfectly straight line. Don’t move your hand … allow the rod turner to turn the rod under your hand.
But you let the finish set up before you removed the tape, right? Apply the finish and as soon as you are done, remove the tape. The finish will “flow” out a little more to a nice edge.
Make sure it is the Fineline tape. It’s plastic. When stuck down properly, the only place it will wick is where it wraps back on itself. Use your thumbnail to minimize that.
Hi Betty! If I balance my hand in my other hand I have no hands left to turn the rod. Could I apply the finish while it’s on a rod dryer?
By the way, I misspoke, I was using a knitting needle.
Bruce
Well … I don’t know … I don’t think there’s any hope!!!
Yes, by all means, apply the finish while it’s turning round and round in the dryer. It does really simplify the process!!:rolleyes:
I just use the edge of the spatula.
Greg
Tilt the spatula … that provides a handy edge. Use something to steady your hand in the process, that’s the KEY to getting a clean edge - whether using a brush, spatula, knitting needle or other implement.
I am assuming something like an oil painting spatula?
I get a nice edge with a brush, but it could be straighter with a knitting needle or some other hard implement.
I use the spatulas you can get at a rod building supply (they may be art spatulas?). They are stainless steel and thin and work well for mixing and applying the finish although I use the disposable brushes to apply. Just wet the spatula and use the edge of it up against the thread to get a line of finish on the blank. It will suck some of the finish over from the wraps.
Thanks for all of your suggestions. I thought of a great idea; maybe I should practice on a junk piece of blank!!! After thoughtfully reading these posts I will practice on Sunday. I’m going to practice with a spatula, knitting needle and brush to see which one I can handle the best. I probably should have done that from the beginning. Thanks everyone for the help.
Bruce
Are you applying the finish while the rod is turning in the rod dryer? that is the best method for getting a crisp edge. I use a dryer that is around 11-12RPm and apply the finish with a brush while its turning. Long as you steady your brush hand with your free hand then you can get a really nice edge without having to resost to tape or any other added methods.
Steve
Hi! I didn’t know I could apply finish while the rod was spinning slowly in the rod dryer. Gees, I thought the rod had to be rotating at a high speed to apply the finish. If the brush inadvertently touches the thread wraps as I apply finish to the rotating wraps will it make air bubbles? Thanks again for your responses.
Bruce
Nope doesn’t have to be turning at a high speed at all to apply finish. Anywhere from 8-12rpm is my favorite range for turning while applying finish. Other RPM’s will work as well but 8-12 seems to be the best I have found because it’s a good compromise between speed for the crisp edge yet not so fast that its hard to deal with. I do all my finish work with a brush so there is no inadvertently touching the brush to the wraps for me Some builders will say not to “brush the finish on” with a brush…which is simply not true at all. If you apply the finish to a wrap with a brush while the rod is turning in a rod dryer then you can brush it on with zero issues. Very rarely will I ever get a bubble but if at any time you do then simply exhale onto it and the warmth from your breath will immediately cause the bubble to pop leaving a bubble free finish.
Steve
Thanks, Steve. That answers a lot of questions.
Bruce