1) Looking for some color suggestions for wraps /trim on a deep blue blank. I like a bit of contrast rather than matching the thread color to the blank.

2)Im going to try LS2000. I like the varathane 900 but 6-7 coats is a lot of steps with sanding in between and I always manage to scratch the blank or contaminate a wrap or two with doing so many steps.

3) Is CP recommended to keep thread color close with LS2000? CP is not needed with Varithane?

4)Has any one tried wrapping with high quality Rayon thread?

I went with my wife to a fabric store the other day and bought a few rolls of top quality fine diameter Rayon thread. The color choice were spectacular including verigated colors and many metalics including verigated metalics! I did a test wrap and found it easy to work with and I checked the wrap with a 10x loupe it layed down very nice! Again the color choices were very impressive and it seems plenty strong enough. what do you all think.

Thanks again you are all most helpful! this site has helped me get better and I waste less time on projects using all your information!!

Happy wrapping "John"

CP is not needed with any finish, unless you want to keep the "on the spool" color. When I have used Varithane, I have found that it darkens the thread just like any other finish applied to naked threads.

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Hi John,

1) Lots of creative choices here. Purple with metallic trim makes a nice contrast against deep blue blanks. My wife is the expert with color matching, but let to my own devices I often consult a simple artists color wheel and check the contrasting or opposing color, I believe it is orange or something. Haven't tried that one yet. Also consider the new classic twist thread from Gudebrod. It's very nice to work with in size A, lays flat and tight, looks good all the way around.


2) By all means try LS 2000 Supreme. It is very forgiving with it's long pot life, less bubbles, and good leveling properties, crystal clear... just a very good product giving an expert finish.

3) If you are using NCP thread, you don't need color preserver, although using it even on NCP may give a different effect. It's not so much as to which finish is used, as the color preserver interacts with the thread to keep the color and reduce the transparancy. Also it helps eliminate air that may be trapped in threads, especially the large sizes such as D.

4) Suggest sticking with a quality thread specifically designed for the purpous of rodbuilding. The properties of sewing thread may or may not be the best in rodbuilding. I know nothing of using Rayon sewing thread for holding the wraps over long periods on a fishing rod. May look nice or easy to work with, I just am not aware of the brand or type you mention. Good brands for rodbuilders exist and are much better than ever before. Silk thread also is a good alternative, strong and with rich, but limited color choices. Silk also require a different type of color preserver and technique.


Rich
Richard's Rod & Reel

i just did a st croix scI with the matte dark blue finish, used the dark cobalt blue and copper, and a second with dark green and copper, boyh looked really sharp