Having a problem getting a level finish on my cross wraps. Specifically a chevron wrap. I leveled the rod but I still get uneven finish.

What do you mean by "uneven?" A wavy, lumpy finish? Or are you talking about an open wrap where the centers remain higher than the open areas between the crosses?

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That's it. An open wrap where the centers remain higher than the open areas between the crosses.

If the rod is not level, the epoxy will gather at one end.

If you are having highs & lows, then it's just a product of your open wrap. Leave it as is, or continue to apply coats until it levels up.

Okay, if you want a smooth top surface on an open wrap you will have to go about this differently. The finish will tend to level with the wrap, as it does a a guide wrap where the finish stays on the thread instead of all sliding down to the lower rod blank at each end. So you need to do one of two things.

1. You can apply more and more applications until you have sufficient depth to sand the finish flat without getting into the pattern centers, and then recoat with a final finish layer.

2. apply finish only to the low areas, perhaps a couple applications, and then when they are close to level apply a final coat over everything.

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#1 above is the technique I use and it works great. You can make it as perfectly cylindrical as a shot gun barrel !

Jon Hood

Teh worst thing you an do is put a lot of light coats, all that will happen is teh finish will migrate to the higher spots, making the problem worse and worse. Putting heavier coats will get it flat and even as you would get it if it was a closed wrap. BUt...you have to spend time practicing and figure out what works for you, and it's not as easy as it sounds - no matter what you do. Benchtime is the best teacher

Thanks for the input. In the past I sanded and applied more finish. I was hoping that maybe there was an easier technique.

Billy:

Are you talking about thick coats of light finish or mediums coats for a thick finish?

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

Imma guess and say you need a thicker viscosity finish.

I use high-build and normally go with three relatively light coats. Sometimes, if I want a more depth look I'll put several more coats on the wrap.

Chris you shouldn't be using a light finish on Dec WRaps, for a wide variety of reasons

high build, lay the 1st coat on heavy with butt to tip strokes of the brush, 2nd coat goes on thin - it'll level out every time