This stuff sounds like it may make a good blank coating

Flexible ??

Bill - willierods.com

Bob, thanks for sharing the info.
Any noticeable differences in adhesion of epoxy topcoats between satin and gloss?

Guide repairs are a common thing and many won't spring for a new blank.

It is sorta neat to see things come full circle and for us to be talking about varnish again. There is something about the smell of things like linseed and tung oil...not to mention Hoppes #9. They have stood the test of time and instill confidence in a way that "plastic" never can for some of us.

Now I don't mind admitting when a better mouse trap has come along. Some of the new "plastic varnish" are indeed better when you want to have a finish "on top" instead of "in the pores". Rod building is one of those applications.

Maybe we can undercoat the blank with something very tough, like permagloss, and then overcoat the guide wraps with something like the deft poly mentioned and be able to remove guides more easily?

Epoxy sensitivity is no joking matter. Not all products are equal in this area. You really want to use a diamine and not a aliphatic based product (especially when mixed with phenol). And whatever you do ban acetone.

Russ in Hollywood, FL.