Question about finishing guide wraps

[Bob Senior]

I've always used Gudebrod rod varnish to finish the wraps on rods. I'm now trying Flex-Coat. It's an epoxy and appears to be the same as any epoxy like Famowood, Envirotex, the stuff you get at any hardware store in the little dual-syringes, and so on. It takes a month of Sundays to build up a finish on a big surf rig with varnish, but the Felx-Coat can be done in two coats.

The trouble with Flex-Coat is that it's not as readily available locally as other kinds of epoxy, and it's expensive as hell.

Does anyone know if it's the same as other more generic kinds, or is there an additive that makes it more elastic so it won't crack on a rod?

[mikecc]

Bob Flex coat was designed just for rod building
It is more flexable than regular epoxies.
Using flex coat and other type rod finishes requires a rod turner to keep it from sagging during the 4-6hours while drying.
other brands include
U-40
CRC
Amtak
and lots more

[Bob Senior]

Thanks Mike. Do you carry Flex-coat? I can't find it over here in the west bay area in the large bottles.

I have a rod dryer that works great. The trouble is that my big rod has used the 12cc kit and a good part of the 2 oz kit, just on the butt and the first two wraps on the tip bottom--it's a big rod! I had a little accident when trying to get some out of one of the syringes in the kit, it hung up and then came loose and I just about emptied the syringe in one squirt! I need more and would have used regular epoxy until I got your msg.

I guess I'll just have to order more on-line.

[mikecc]

I no longer sell Flex Coat.
I do carry others.
If you do order mail order make sure the weather is not to cold.
some epoxies and color preservers are no good if they freeze.