I am rebuilding the top section of a custom made Sage XP 590 Graphite IIIe B rod. The owner said that the tip got slammed in a door. He had already gotten the replacement tip section, and wanted me to save the guides, and wrap it for him. I stared removing guides, and who ever wrapped this rod originally used a finish that is harder than anything I have come across. I didn't heat it before starting since I just wanted to get the guides off the broken section. I have used Flex coat, and Thread Master. Even on rods I built in the mid 80's these finishes don't get as hard as the finish I am working with. This finish is also crystal clear. Anyone have any Idea what this finish might be?

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

Permagloss or equivalent?

I have seen people use 15min epoxy for guides.......maybe that's what it is

I haven't worked with Permagloss. I am sort of in an area where there isn't a lot of rod building, and you can't just go to a store in the area, buy rod building stuff. It has to shipped in unseen and untested. Have you used Permagloss? How did you like working with it?

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

Permagloss and other one-part polyurethane coatings are very clear, very hard, do not build as does epoxy, and harden very fast, so you have to work fast. On guide wraps they look very thin, with thread texture showing unless many coats are used. They can be hard to store without hardening in the bottle; many store in the fridge with a dessicant in a baggie with the bottle. They stay clear, don't turn yellow as does epoxy with exposure to the sun.

If you have to refinish the rod, these are the right materials for refinishing blanks. Do not use wrap or other epoxy to do that.

Mike B...I'm just guessing Permagloss based on "crystal clear and hard". I can see where you'd want to use the same as previous on the replacement upper section. Follow Mike D's advice. I haven't bought any new supply in awhile, but I think they have improved the storage w/ a new cap. You might even want to do a search on here for previous Permagloss posts...it's way different than 2 part epoxy in handling. Good luck!

It's not Permagloss. It's most likely a UV cured finish which continues to harden upon each subsequent exposure to the sun. They often become so hard they will shatter when you try to cut or chip into them.

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FYI...

All Sage factory rods are made with Flex Coat Rod Finish.

Flex Coat Company
Professional Rod Building Supplies
www.flexcoat.com

I believe the OP said that is was a custom build. not a factory build

Ron Weber