Have found Madeira threads (used in embroidery) in variegated colors, similar to the Gudebrod threads used to wrap the old blanks. Comes in 9 colors, but before I go invest in it, I’d like some input. Have you used it? Does it really compare? Will it hold up? Does it take to the finish? It’s 40 wt, made of rayon. Really kewl colors, too!!
Betty -
Madeira thread is VERY pretty stuff and easy to work with in respect to wrapping, the trick is in the finishing. It is NOT made for rod building, it is made for embroidery. Because of this, it DOES have a coating of silicone for ease of sewing. This fully necessitates use of CP to “seal” the thread before applying finish - otherwise the silicone coating will cause the finish to be “repelled” and fisheyes will be everywhere.
I would suggest U40’s Color Lock for color preserver. It will take 2-3 coats to ensure a full and complete sealing of the thread. After the CP is completely dry, finish as usual and you will be just fine.
Hope this helps.
TampaJim is exactly right, just make sure to seal it up with CP and it turns out great, I also use the U40 CP.
Betty,
First:
http://www.rodbuilding.org/read.php?2,241762,242015#msg-242015
I’ve tried using sulky 40wt but not the madiera. They are both smaller in diameter than std A size thread, and thread tension and packing becomes a much bigger issue. I had some rods that turned out very nice, and others that blotched horribly. Light colors were the worst, and you have to use CP on it no matter what. I only use Gudebrod nylon and NCP or Sulky metallics now.
Madiera also has some sort of silicone on it to make it run through the machine easier, and without CP it will make your finish uneven from repelling it.
By the way Angler’s Workshop has brought out their thread again and they carry Madeira now also.
Also keep in mind that it is thinner than A sized thread, so you need to keep a uniform tension, and pack it tight. Otherwise you will get some splotchiness that the CP won’t help.
What a great thread. Ask a real question and get several quality answers. This kind of thing makes all this worthwhile. 
Has anyone tried this thread with permagloss or spar? I’m curious if you still need to use CP.
I have used the thread with spar; I think you need the color loc; although I only use one coat; I put a heavy coat of color-loc on the threads, allow it a few minutes to penetrate, then use a coffee filter to wipe the excess off. So far, i’ve had no splotching using spar, or epoxy. However, the downside of the thread is you get some microscopic"fuzzies", but they don’t present any significant problems-p-
Based on the replies I’ve had here, and my own genuine curiosity, I have ordered one of each color of Maderia thread (:rolleyes::shock::p) and it is in transit from JoAnns!! I’m totally hopeless!! Will keep you posted!
Oh, my!! The Madeira thread just arrived!!! The colors are so incredible, I want to re-do every rod I have ever built!!! Wow!!
When you put that thread on the rodblank, use a tensioner that puts tension on the spool and not on the thread itself; the tensioners that you have to run the thread thru will cause a bunch of minute thread “fuzzies” the tensioners that put tension on the spool will lesson that, to a degree; use a color preservative also-p-
If you like themed rods you can buy entire color schemes off the internet (particularly ebay). Typically the bundle includes 5-8 colors and are great for subtle trims, fades, etc. I have used madiera almost exclusively lately due to some problems I’ve been experiencing with gudebrod. I definitely recommend but don’t forget the CP.
one problem I have been having with this thread is that its very difficult to pack; after i burnish i still have some minute “gaps”; with my old eyes they sometimes don’t show themselves to me until i have a coat of finish on the wrap. Pack it tight as you wrap; burnish each wrap; double-check the wraps carefully before applying epoxy or spar.