So I've been lurking for a while and have found many answers here. Can't find any info on this so I figured I'd make my first post.
I painted the blank of my newest build (first paint job). I used duplicolor perfect match lacquer and it came out real nice. I want a good clear over it and was going to buy an LVLP spray gun. However, two part urethane is a bit out of my hopeful price range. Klass Kote makes an epoxy paint that they claim can be sprayed over "many other " types of paint. It's much more affordable., but I can't find any info as to weather this will make a good clear coat for a painted blank.
There is a thread on using it over guide wraps, but doesn't cover my hopeful application.
If this will not work, what are some other good products out there that will work. I've seen some suggestions on other threads., but no specific examples of success stories. I.e. "I can throw the rod in the back of my truck with all my other gear or banged it on a pier rail and it won't chip."
In any case any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm pretty new to rod building. As a side note, this will be my first build where I plan my guides rather than relying on a spacing chart...so wish me luck on that as well!!

I can't really answer any questions to the types of paints/finishes you are using but I have sucess with using Krylon Fusion paint and just a few coats of spray on poly (acehardware brand). I found the key is time. Make sure everything cures before putting the next coat on. Don't paint based on the dry time but by the cure time. Here is a photo of the last one I did. It was a nasty mustard yellow before I painted it. [outthereflyfishing.com]

KlassKote has a solvent in it so you'll want to test it over your paint on some scrap before you risk it on the actual rod blank.

..................

Well I did some searching and found some other branded 2k urethane systems on Google for around 35 dollars per qt (without reducer). Will a cheaper system provide good results? It seems that Klass Kote is a little on the pricier side. I didn't really look at other brands before because I didn't realize how big of a range there was on prices. I found the Klass Kote by searching 2k urethane for fishing rods.

If not I may just go the spray can poly as described above.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/22/2014 05:22PM by Randy Weakley.

There is a product called Spray Max that you may want to look into.

.............

Oh yeah...I've seen that recommended on several other threads. The problem with that is that my goal is to get a good setup that I can use over and over without breaking the bank. The gun I can use for other tasks around the house and a quart of urethane will last me for more rods than I'll probably build in 10 years. The KK was like $80 for a pint though. And that's total mixed quantity.
With the spray Max I'd be dropping 25 every time I build one rod. I have VERY limited time on my hands. I come home from a long day at work and then most nights I spend studying for the next event. So it's a slim possibility of saving up several rods to spray at once as recommended.
Plus with the quart method I can use for various other fun tasks without killing the entire supply in 24 hours. I.e. spraying motorcycle parts, refinishing my bicycle, painting a computer, etc. The KK price tag was just a bit steep for my liking. Plus I'm married LOL Thanks though.

Just realized how that last post may have seemed like a contradiction...talking of how little time I have, but then all the things I plan on doing. LOL I am a dreamer, and a long term planner. It will take me likely years to get to all those projects I want to do! ha ha

Hi Jimmy

I have always wondered what the durability of the poly is. Have you used it on a rod that you have used in a boat? I ask because I think fly rods don't see the same type of abuse that let's say a bass casting rod might.

I know the Spraymax that Tom refers works but it is expensive if you are only shooting one rod. If you can plan to do multiple rods it becomes more cost effective.

If anyone can actually comment on experience using the spray can poly that would be very helpful.

Thank You,

Chris Tulk

here is there clear coat kit Very similar to an auto clear Fast dry hard as nails I use the mid- temp reducer

I have put permagloss and lumiseal over the match paint Be fast
You should experiment on scrap first before a blank so you got the idea

[www.klasskote.com]

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 04/23/2014 09:08AM by bill boettcher.

Chris

Your right the only rods I have tryed painting are fly rods. The rods I have painted have all been fiberglass. So they bend deep all the way into the handle. I fish fly rods for trout and I still fish conventional for bass, and I would say I have broken way more fly rods on a small creek then I have ever broken conventional rods on a boat. That being said I haven't had any problems with the paint/polly. I do have plans to paint a bait rod for my daughter here very soon, I'll let you know how it holds up to a 3 year old.

So I ended up just going to my local auto paint supply store and bought a quart of clear; a 2 part urethane system. Ifinished up painting the duplicolor on the rod (which seems to be a really tough paint as it is). Was ready to lightly sand the color and lay down a clear layer, when I decided to read the back label of the can. Both the paint and the activator say to use the entire container within 14 days of opening. I couldn't go through a quart of this in two weeks if I tried. Are all 2k systems like this? Why can't you store it after opening??? I may just end up getting a spray can if this is the case.

I put most of my activators and things like Permagloss in the refrigerator and this seems to keep them for a long time Well sealed

Bill - willierods.com

Well thanks for the advice. I think I'll keep it and just try to store it in optimal conditions. Problem now becomes I had to return the gun. The "used - like new" gun had paint dried on the inside. So I sent back to amazon and ordered a new one. On sale for only $10 more than used. Sweet deal!!! Everything seems to be coming together. Can't wait to get started.
BTW it's gonna be a black with silver flake paint. Silver wraps with metallic green trim in size A. Think it's gonna go together really nice.