Read these tips to get the best results from your epoxy finish.
Learn Easy Ways for the Best Results with Thread Finish
From the thread and epoxy, to the application, curing time and working time, there many helpful techniques and tricks to give your custom fishing rod the perfect finish.
Catch these 4 Tips for epoxy finish below:
1. Don’t Overdo Guide Wraps
Thread wrapping definitely isn’t difficult, especially with CRB HWS-1 Hand Wrapper, however when it comes to wrapping guides, some rod builders have a tendency to wrap too much thread.
Wrapping thread up the correct distance on the guide foot is incredibly important once you start to apply finish. For instance, if you wrap too far up the guide foot and onto the frame, epoxy can run up from the thread wrap to seal off the guide’s eye.
The image below shows a guide wrap at risk.
Although there is a way to fix it, it is much easier to just avoid sealing off guides altogether.
The following example is a quality thread wrap ready to epoxy without any worries.
Looking for high-quality thread? ProWrap comes in countless colors and is pressure dyed for color consistency, so pick up yours now!
2. Preparing and Applying Epoxy
For preparing a two-part epoxy, the wrong technique can interfere in both the curing process and the epoxy’s final appearance.
Some rod builders stir the hardener and resin together quickly, but this won’t speed up the process. Instead, it will increase the number of bubbles in the mixture.
Easily avoid the bubbles by using the right technique and supplies. Start by stirring the mixture slowly and rotating from clockwise to counterclockwise every few turns. This works to churn and fold the two parts together, while also removing the air bubbles.
Stirring slowly and consistently will result in epoxy that is thoroughly mixed. Next, pour the epoxy into an aluminum dish to preserve the epoxy’s life and release any remaining air bubbles.
If this mixing technique is too involved or time-consuming, consider the Finishing Kit with Epoxy Mixer Kit for all these supplies and an essential hands-free epoxy mixer. The best tool for blending any two-part epoxy, the CRB Epoxy Mixer preserves the working time of your epoxy by continuously churning and folding it into itself.
But if a shaky hand or a hard time with straight edges is holding you back, there are also some simple methods to make your application of epoxy easier than ever.
For example, many rod builders softly press their palm onto the blank…
