I have a customer whom wants a rod built from a G Loomis blank for a girl. She wants it purple with silver glitter. Any suggestions on how to prep blank, type of paint, and sealer? Can I use a airbrush painter and mix glitter in paint in first coat, lightly sand it, and apply a second coat of paint, them sealer?

I would ... lightly abrade with gray Scotchbrite, apply a light coat or two of paint, apply a final light coat of paint WITH glitter, apply a light coat of clear coat followed by a second light coat of clear coat.

Paint should have flex additive ... Krylon for Plastic, PlastiCote OR an automotive paint with additive (bumper paint for example).
Clear coat ... I like Minwax Helmsman Spar Urethane Clear Gloss.

I further suggest the following: Build yourself a "paint booth" out of a cardboard box. Rotate using a Pac Bay or similar dryer. Spray WHILE rotating and allow to dry for an hour between paint coats, 1/2 day between last coat of paint and first coat of clear coat, an hour between clear coat applications and 3 days before starting the build.

The same system can be used for reel seats and other items. Although I have enjoyed using blanks painted professionally in an autobody shop, I have obtained similar results on my own using the method outlined. IMO, the key is not applying too much paint or clear coat in a single application.

Jim -

I bought some U-40 Perma Gloss and added some pur blue pigment
put it on the blank and let dry. Purma gloss is flexable to where it wont crack
and has a nice pretty shine to it. You can get the pigment at a art store. I think
Mud Hole Carries the Perma Gloss.
Glen

I Was Born Without Gills, Therefore I Fish!
Love The Wife! Live Long! Fish Till You Die!

I would use automotive, touch up spray cans.

There are literally thousands of colours available and you can have pearl or glitter added as you wish.

Be sure to ask for the added plasticiser, so the paint will handle the constant flex of the rod.

Between 3 and 5 coats, lightly applied may be required.

A very light wet and dry sand with the finest paper you have and then apply the automotive clear coat.

This is a great long lasting result. The downside is , it is all a bit expensive.

But I have found 1 can of colour can do up to 5 rods, depending on there size.

Hope this helps. I love colouring rods.

Paul.

I fish therefore I am.
www.hookeduprods.com

I use Testors spray paint. It is intended for plastic models. Comes in lots of colors. I get it at my local hobby shop. Cost is about $5 per small can. Could probably do 2 to 3 rods out of it.

OK, let me weigh in here.
I just built a similar rod for my 6 year old daughter...it can be found here [www.rodbuilding.org].

I used a G. Loomis blank, and lightly abraded it with a Scotchbrite pad. Then I wiped the blank down with lacquer thinner.

Next step: spray the blank WHITE. White allows the final color (in this case pink or purple) to not have to compete with and cover a dark gray or black background. I use a Krylon flat white. Flat allows the next coat to adhere completely. Once the white is dry, I use Rustoleum Satin Lilac for purple...they have a "berry" color for pink. I hold the blank by the butt (it will be covered with grip anyway) and spray with long strokes frpm about 14-18" away, rotating as I go.

I painted my daughter's rod pink first, then feathered in purple at the butt end and the tip.

Once everything is dry, you have a few choices. If you are using glitter, I suggest you use a 2 part epoxy finish. Mix the glitter directly into the finish. If you have a craft store like a Michael's close by, they sell micro glitter in lots of colors. I bought a sampler of Sulky brand for about $7...it contains 8 or so different colors of micro glitter (very fine glitter). When the first coat is dry, you can either apply a 2nd coat to the blank or spray it with automotive clear coat or a urethane.

I have painted blanks like this for years,and have never had a problem with cracking or crazing of the color.

My daughter loves the sparkles and the pink and purple color. She calls it her Fairy Princess wand.

Jim,

I did some testing with both regular poliester base car paints (metallic) and PU clear coat on very flexible scrap rods and didn't see reason to use flex additive. After severe "flexing stress testing" the painting looks perfect no waves, no cracking.
Could you help me to understand why?

Regards,

Rogerio