Epoxy Guide Finish

Applying Epoxy to guide wraps isn't difficult, but it is tedious, so follow these instructions below to ensure a simple process and a sleek finish.

The Rod Finish Finale

By this point in the rod build, you have already installed both grips, the reel seat, the tip top, the guides and the guide wraps. But before your custom fishing rod is ready for action, you must epoxy over the guide wraps to secure each one in place.

Although applying epoxy finish isn't hard, the process can be tedious and quite nerve-racking when done incorrectly. Use the instructions that follow to avoid any epoxy headaches that stand between you and the ultimate custom fishing performance.

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How To Apply Epoxy To Fishing Rod Guides

The majority of epoxy finish for rod building comes in a two-part, 50/50 blend. Using a resin and a hardener, two-part epoxies must be mixed accurately to ensure it will dry successfully.

Chuck up your rod into a rod drier, which depending on the drier's RPMs, will continually rotate the rod as you apply epoxy.

In need of a rod drier? Check out the RDS Rod Drying System from CRB.

Next, take a disposable brush and begin lightly applying epoxy over each guide wrap.

The epoxy on each guide wrap should run a quarter of an inch past the wrap and onto the blank. This prevents moisture from seeping into and under the thread wraps, and eventually, rusting the guide feet.

With epoxy accurately applied on each thread wrap, run an alcohol burner briefly under each wrap to remove any remaining bubbles in the epoxy.

Never use a butane lighter because it will taint the clear nature of the epoxy with a smoky color. Also, avoid applying the flame directly to the epoxy because it will loosen the bond, causing the epoxy to sag.

Check out Mud Hole's FSB-2 Supply Kit to start up and stock up on all of rod building's essentials.

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