I'm confused about color preserver. Is it good to use? Is it a matter of preference? Does it prevent the finish from getting to the rod blank thereby making the finish weaker? The guy who taught me never uses CP and didn't recommend using the stuff. Help and thanks.
Bruce

I have a buddy that uses 2 coats of color preserver and one coat of flex coat high build finish. Is that OK?

There are no hard rules or right or wrong about using CP. It all depends on what you want your wraps to look like. It is a matter of preference. It won't weaken your finish adherence by enough to cause concern. Your buddy's method is quite common.

Just my opinion: If you want the vibrant color of the thread as it appears on the spool then you must use CP. If you want muted color, then don't use CP. Does it diminish the strength of the guide's bond to the rod? Perhaps slightly, but that bond is still far more than what is required. I have never heard of a guide being torn from a rod either with or with out CP. I guess it's possible under extreme conditions, but so unlikely as to never be a consideration for me.