I am having problems with color preserver it is darkening my thread a lot and making it look almost like it is wet. some parts are different shades, iwas wondering if any of you have any suggestions to fix this. thew bottle says you may dilute it do you do this? or is it a bad product it is FLex Coat color preserver and thread sealer. i was also thinking of maybe putting a metallic layer under it, but it seems it would be diffucult to get everything lined up doing this.

PLease help me

My experience with color preserver is pretty limited and only covers Gudebrod 811.  However, are you sure you have allowed it to dry completely?  It will look wet when applied and will not return to "normal" looking until it's completely dried.  

Dilute CP only enough to get it to penetrate... remember CP is works by using "suspended solids" to block out penetration by the finish.... when diluted, you reduce the amount of solids available to block out the finish...  meaning that if you thin it to get penetration, you actually reduce its effectiveness.  Counterintuitive, I know.  

I have a good write up on how to make gudebrod 811 fool proof... if interested let me know, I'll find it and fwd it to you.  

Hey flech, I would be interested in hearing what you have to say about the 811.  I have used it and the flexcoat and seem to prefer the flexcoat.  I think my 811 is a little to thick even after thinning it.  I also get bubbles with it that I have a hard time getting rid of before it starts to gel.  Both seem to be adequate in sealing the threads though.  I just have an ease of application issue with the 811.  Thanks.

TJ

I know nothing about rod building but I've seen a few places where people don't even use color preserver.

I prefer not to use CP as well, but I have used it on a few.  I even like the transparent look on open diamond and chevron wraps.

TJ

portageriverangler,

I am having problems with color preserver it is darkening my thread a lot and making it look almost like it is wet. some parts are different shades, iwas wondering if any of you have any suggestions to fix this.

Sounds like you aren't getting your threads packed tight enough. You need to make sure the wrap is packed good and tight, and burnished well. If you don't when the CP is applied it will give you light and dark streaks.

thew bottle says you may dilute it do you do this? or is it a bad product it is FLex Coat color preserver and thread sealer.

I never thin my CP and have been using FlexCoat CP since my first rod (17yrs). I apply it as the rod is turning (never brush it on) under my loaded brush (wicking it off the brush onto the threads). Then I place the rod in my drying box, or warm place to dry for 24 hrs.

i was also thinking of maybe putting a metallic layer under it, but it seems it would be diffucult to get everything lined up doing this

Under wraps are not easy, takes some practice to get completed right. But if this is a freshwater rod I would advise against an under wrap. It will add more weight to the rod in an area were you don't want more weight, and cause it to stiffen up some. Most Under wraps are done on heavy powered blue water boat rods.

Just my .02¢

Tight Wraps!!!

Is it a big problem not to use a cp, what does this do to the color of the thread?

when i brushed the cp on the end of the thread where i locked it keep moing away from the rest of the wrap so i need mre tension?

portageriverangler,

Is it a big problem not to use a cp, what does this do to the color of the thread?

No it is not a big problem not to use CP's. Finishing the threads without CP turns the threads translucent. On some lighter colors you would be able to see the guide foot...

when i brushed the cp on the end of the thread where i locked it keep moing away from the rest of the wrap so i need mre tension?

I would say yes.

It is hard to judge how much tension you need on a guide foot.

I try to wrap with enough tension on my threads, so that when I am done wrapping if I want to move the guide I can with some effort. But not so lose that the guide can move on it's own.

Tight Wraps!!

THnaks a lot for all the help. THat is all my Q's for now but im sure more will pop up on this build ;D