I have received a Loomis GLX 4wt blank. Decal is attached in the package but no guidance on how to stick it to the blank. Should the decal be moistened first, or should I simply peel of the protective layer and stick it to the blank ? How can I avoid air bubbles beeing trapped under the decal ?

Regards
Gunnar Joergensen

Some of the older decals were the type like what used to come with plastic model kits. You have to put those in water and let it slide off onto the rod blank.

The newer type is a sticker. I raise an edge with an exacto knife and gently place it on the rod making sure it is squared up. Then I use the metal barrel of the knife to roll it on. The hard knife barrel seems to really push it down tight and I can roll the air bubbles right out from under it. Make your first pass right down the center and work outwards from there.

be safe and call gloomis in the morning if in fact it is a peel and stick or a wet stick always work from 1 side to the other and smooth out as u go but be safe and call ....Thight wraps John T Burford aka Tightline Rod's

Make sure the blank is clean by wiping with alcohol. Apply the decal and usiing a plastic burnishing tool press down the entire surface paying particular attention to the edges. One important point is not to touch the edges with your fingers. This makes adhesion very difficult and it will curl if epoxy gets under it.

Capt. Harold

A buddy from an autobody shop gave me a tip that lets me put the peel and stick decals on without bubbles or wrinkles and allows me to adjust them until they are straight. I simply wet the area of the blank with soapy water (not much soap needed), then I peel the decal gripping it with tweezers. After it is aligned on the rod I start in the center with a clean soft clothe and wipe to the edges. This takes a few wipes but works the moisture out and the decal adheres. I have not had any failures using this method.