I am interested in doing a fade wrap but my problem is that I have not actually seen many rods that have a fade wrap. I have researched on line but haven't really found answers to some of the questions I have. So I figured why reinvent the wheel, hoping that with the wealth of knowledge available here I might have some of my questions answered.

How are fade wraps typically used? Are they used as a main feature instead of a tiger, marbling, cross wrap, etc. or are they used more as a trim feature to lead into/highlight these features?

How many colors are typically used? Is there any rule of thumb of minimum or maximum colors that produce the best look?

The same questions for length? Is there a typical length? is there length that looks best?

Can you use fade wraps as guide wraps? If so how do you deal with the fact that the guide wraps get shorter as you go toward the tip of the rod?

I appreciate any responses/advice that might be provided.

Bob

Here's one I did on my wife's walleye rod [www.rodbuilding.org]

This one is only 2 colors. Doing a fade as a guide wrap might make you go nutty, although I have seen some salt rods with the wrap extending from the fore grip to the first guide.

I would suggest trying a fade wrap on a smooth wooden dowel or old piece of rod blank. Keep your hands clean and your thread tight. It actually looks okay to wrap 2, 3, 4 & 5 threads at once and it will save you time. Another trick is to get your diamond base wrap down and straightened, and then use a toothpick or bodkin to put a tiny dab of color preserver on each cross to lock it down.

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 01/20/2017 08:54AM by Chuck Mills.

The process entails dropping one color as you add another, in a progressive or regressive direction. Here's an example

5 dk blue
1 lt blue
4 dk blue
2 lt blue
3 dk blue
3 lt blue
2 dk blue
4 lt blue
1 dk blue
5 lt blue

This will produce a fade or shade from dark to light blue. Note that the combined number of threads in each "group" of dark and light colors always equals 6. Obviously, a more subtle effect is possible with more threads, while a sharper fade occurs when less are used. Also, size A produces a more subtle/gradual fade while size D is more distinct.

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For lots of ideas just type "custom rod thread art fade wrap" into your internet search address bar

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

Fade wraps are decorative so you can put them anywhere you want. They are based off a ratio as Tom described. He lists a 5:1, 4:2, 3:3,... etc transition. You can also toggle your ratio for transitions :7:1, 5:3, 3:5... etc for a shorter, bolder fade. As usual, make your thread transitions on the blind side of the blank so they are clean. Good luck. Here is an example of a 10:1, 9:2, 8:3...etc fade. [goo.gl]