I'm experimenting with permagloss in order to finish an entire blank. So far I have tried a coffee filter and a makeup-sponge. I prepared my rod in accordance to the library article. My experience with the coffee filter was that it did not coat the blank sufficiently well, although it flowed smoothly along the blank. The coffee filter resulted in streaks of unfinished portions along the blank. The makeup sponge soaked up the permagloss a lot better and consequently covered the rod a lot better. However, it was too "grippy" and it made it really hard for me to move the sponge along the length of the blank, resulting in a few places where the finish ran a little bit thicker and looked a little bit lumpy.

I'm going to experiment with cheesecloth and grey foam paintbrush applicators next. I think between one of these or the other two, I'll nail my application. If none of these work (which they obviously should) I'll either try again or try the bottle with a hole cut through it method.

Overall, I got really good results. Not perfect but VERY good, especially for practice runs. As long as you don't go back and do one or two swipes, letting it dry for an hour between applications, you should be good to go!

The latter two you mention are the very ones I've had the best results with. One key to getting a good application is to make sure the applicator is very, very "wet" with the PG.

...........

Thanks Tom, you're the man. In regards to keeping the applicator wet, I ran into the very same issue myself: too wet and you get runs/lumps, too dry and you get unfinished streaks. It takes practice to know how wet is wet enough.

Out of curiosity, do you re-wet your applicator after you turn the blank 180 degrees and make your second pass?

Carlos

I use the round Kroger brand foam foundation sponges for coating rods. I pour a few milliliters of Permagloss into a small container and suck up all the finish with the foam sponges. I wear nitrile gloves to hold the pad. One loaded pad can do as many as 3-4 rods for me, and I do not notice a grippy feeling when using. I takes less than a minute to coat a rod, I do not go up and down just wipe it on in one direction holding the sponge firmly so that you squeegee the finish onto the rod. When finished I set the blank up in the corner to dry. A thin coat is all you want and you can coat as many times as you want. Tried cheese cloth and coffee filters and did not like them nearly as well. The foam brushes work well but I remove the foam from the handle so I have better control, and use them like the foam foundation sponges. The foundation sponges are cheaper than the brushes.
Norm

I don't because the time it takes to re-wet it means that what I have already applied will already be starting to get a bit "dry" and the subsequent pass will tend to catch and skid at the edges where the two applications overlap. You've got to keep moving and get it all done fairly quickly.

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I use the gray paint brush foam, and like Tom stated, almost dripping wet, and one swipe.

the guys that refinish floors use artificial lambs wool pads about 3 bucks and reusable

[www.homedepot.com]

The best day to be alive is always tomorrow !!
Think out side the box when all else fails !!!
Wi.

Not for nothing - but you can coat it with an auto clear - which can be adjusted for set time - thinned with a reducer - You need to play But it stays wetter longer - When dry is as good if not better then any finish have you ever seen a car with a yellow finish ?
here a good clear with plenty of adjustments on drying time - [www.klasskote.com]

Bill - willierods.com



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/17/2017 06:31PM by bill boettcher.

I also use the cosmetic pads but the 2 dia X ¼ thick ones rather than the wedges. I also punch a hole in the middle of the pad the average size dia of the blank. I learned about punching the hole from someone on this site but forgot who it was so am unable to thank him. The hole makes a world of difference!

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

I have tried everything mentioned except the cosmetic pads. The best applicator I have found is a leg cut off a pair of my wife's pantyhose, only need a small piece wadded up. She still can't figure out what she did that new pair she bought.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY