finishing between butt wraps?

[RodKneeTrouter]

Lo all - the thrills and frustrations of my first rod build continue. Can anyone recommend a method to finish in between the butt wraps (over the writing)? I guess this would be the same as finishing a blank itself - only on a much shorter section.

I've tried it three times already with flex 'coat lite' and it always comes out 'bumpy' no matter how long I turn it. thank god for meths and old pairs of pants/the drapes/ the table cloth.

I had the idea to let the flext coat set a bit before applying to this section. anyone tried that? I'm about to throw the whole thing out the window - 'cept that would prove my wife right.

Mike

[sandfly2]

I use a polyurethane varnish , two or three light coats does it nicely .

Davy .

[Silver Stoat]

Have you tried thinning the epoxy a little then applying in long strokes then a little gentle heat to make the epoxy flow and smooth out.
You could try putting less on - it only needs a very, very thin coat to cover the writing.

Before you apply the epoxy check that the area of the blank is level.
What speed is your turner running at ?
What temperature is the room where the epoxy is drying ?

You could, as Sandfly suggested, apply a couple of coats of polyurethane varnish or spray a coat of acrylic lacquer instead of the epoxy if you can't get it sorted.

Dave.

[RodKneeTrouter]

the lack of a 'turner' except for my hands could be part of the problem. I'm using the cardboard box method. I think I've got it sorted. the most recent try seems to have done it. course now I've gotta stay up till its dry!

i was using too much flex coat I think. If this doesnt work, I will use spray varnish and call it good.

Mike

[RodKneeTrouter]

Nope - still cant get it right, although it looks better with a second coat.



I know that the dimples are caused by bubbles popping late (although I never saw any - it looked good when I went to bed last night).


Anybody ever tried light sanding dimples in flex coat and then applying another coat? Does it cover the buff marks?

Mike

[beckster]

Hi Mike,you can sand the flex coat down and it will re-cover just fine,i would recommend using an emery board, the type a woman uses for doing their nails with because its flat and level.I think that to get the best results you are really going to have to get yourself a rod turning device.


GOOD LUCK!!!!!

[RodKneeTrouter]

Hi beckster -
thanks for the tips.
I think you are right about the rodd turning device. it looks fine on the wraps, but since this is a larger section, and I do think the uneven turning affects things. In any case, wife's nail kit has now been raided.

Mike