Full Version: Varnish dipping graphite blanks?
I have a varnish tube for dipping glass and bamboo rods. Has anyone dipped graphite blanks? I have a 9' 4wt Tiger Eye blank on the way I want to give the traditional look to. Would dipping it mess up the existing finish on the rod? Would I have to strip the finish and then dip the blank?
Hey DarkStar,
I would not recommend dipping graphite rod blanks . . .I feel you would just be making work for yourself as nothing we as rodbuilders can do to improve the look and durability of the factory finish. It would be just another layer of material to roll off, flake off, wear off, chip off and be the source of hundreds of headaches. How many dust specks would you be willing to tolerate from 96" of rod blank?
However, I sometimes take polishing compound and change the glossy finishes to a beautiful satin finish. This is a nice contrast to the glossy thread wraps.
Good luck with your rod building and enjoy.
Charlie
I would not recommend dipping graphite rod blanks . . .I feel you would just be making work for yourself as nothing we as rodbuilders can do to improve the look and durability of the factory finish. It would be just another layer of material to roll off, flake off, wear off, chip off and be the source of hundreds of headaches. How many dust specks would you be willing to tolerate from 96" of rod blank?
However, I sometimes take polishing compound and change the glossy finishes to a beautiful satin finish. This is a nice contrast to the glossy thread wraps.
Good luck with your rod building and enjoy.
Charlie
I don't see why not. Most graphite blanks I have seen do not have a perfect finish, and I have seen bamboo rods with perfect finishes.
I was considering trying this this winter if I dive into a rebuild I have been thinking of. I'd be interested to hear form anyone who has tried it.
I was considering trying this this winter if I dive into a rebuild I have been thinking of. I'd be interested to hear form anyone who has tried it.
QUOTE (DarkstarCrashes @ Nov 10 2009, 07:42 PM) 
I have a varnish tube for dipping glass and bamboo rods. Has anyone dipped graphite blanks? I have a 9' 4wt Tiger Eye blank on the way I want to give the traditional look to. Would dipping it mess up the existing finish on the rod? Would I have to strip the finish and then dip the blank?
Wouldn't the stock finish on the blanks be glossy anyway? I can understand blanks that are matte. What are you trying to achieve? Strip it of color, then gloss it up? Also, what are you using for 'varnish'?
Thanks for the replies guys.
Yes, the blank is glossy. I like the overall uniform look of bamboo rods with varnish wraps and varnished dipped blanks. I just use the standard for varnish- spar urethane thinned with mineral spirits.
Yes, the blank is glossy. I like the overall uniform look of bamboo rods with varnish wraps and varnished dipped blanks. I just use the standard for varnish- spar urethane thinned with mineral spirits.
I've seen a few fiberglass rods that were dipped after the wraps were varnished. Gives a very slick look. I have also seen a glass rod that was stripped of finish and paint, and repainted a custom color, then dipped.
You might try asking this at a fiberglass board. I'm sure someone there has dipped a graphite rod. If not, I can't see why it would be different than a glass rod.
http://fiberglassflyrodders.yuku.com/
You might try asking this at a fiberglass board. I'm sure someone there has dipped a graphite rod. If not, I can't see why it would be different than a glass rod.
http://fiberglassflyrodders.yuku.com/
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