I just got a Winston blank in the mail, and can't figure out whether the decal that came with the blank is a waterslide or peel and stick. I don't want to mess with the decal too much trying to figure out, and damage it. If anyone can help, I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

-Mark

Mark,

If the decal appears to be "die cut" with pre-cut edges around the image, it is probably a peel and stick. I highly doubt Winston would have sent a waterslide as not many people are familiar with the application process. With peel and stick decals, you just well . . . peel and stick.

Peel and stick decals are somewhat thicker than waterslide decals and, waterslide decals have a fiberous backing instead of a vinyl backing so the water can penetrate through to the decal medium.

Hope this helps.


Charlie
tightlinerods@aol.com

Every Winston blank I have built has included a waterslide decal small, round and says RLWinston Blank. They have not been die cut. Kip

It is waterslide

Thanks guys....I'm assuming that you cut as close to the Winston logo as possible, and then install like any other waterslide decal?

-Mark

As I recall, there is no need to cut it. The edge of the decal is actually cut very close.

Thanks for the help, Whirnot, I appreciate it. As an aside, would it be sacreligious to put single foot guides on a 4wt Winston? I've never seen a factory Winston that doesn't have snake guides. The blank is fairly heavy, so I was hoping to cut back on the weight a bit with single footers. Any opinions would be appreciated.
-Mark

It is a custom rod. To be built the way you want! Although I don't really think you will notice a difference, If you want single foot, Go for it.

BTW and interesting thing about the Winston decal. The factory rods have the decal placed so it is right side up and facing out when the rod is in a retail rack. The decal faces the guides.
Not the way I do it but they do.

Thanks again for the advice and info Whirnot!

-Mark

Whirnot,

When you have applied Winston decals in the past, did you use Micro Sol and Micro Set? I use those two products with the waterslides that I get from Decal Connection, I just don't know whether or not to use them with the Winston decal.....I don't want to mess it up.

-Mark

Marc,

Using Micro-Set will be an added benefit as it allows some adjusting of the decal location. Micro Sol on the other hand is not needed for the application of waterslide decals as it was designed for model makers to "dissolve" the decal so it could conform to the rough surfaces of some models.

I trust when you have applied the decals it was not on a rough surface . . . Applying decals on a fishing rod is the ultimate surface as it should be like a film of glass - what roughness is there that we need the decal to conform to? A waterslide decal is only .0005" thick when dry and the last thing we need is a decal that is about to be weakened even further by chemistry. Micro Sol also lengthens the drying time before the coat of epoxy can be applied.

You can use it if you desire but it will not add value to the application.

Hope this helps.

Charlie

I agree, I always use micro set, but never micro sol

Thanks for the advice guys!

-Mark