Blank coating

[Carpenter]

I picked up some ice rod blanks at a local supplier and they are raw/unfinished graphite. What would/have you guys used to put a finish or color on them that won't crack?

Thanks,

[upnorth]

I have used spray on varnish and or automotive spray can paint with good results.

[CAMAN]

I wouldn't finish them. Every little thing you add, adds weight, and weight on the tip is your enemy.

[rushing]

I'd use some Lumiseal.

[Carpenter]

I understand how I can apply the spray paint, but how does lumiseal come and how should I apply it? Where do I find it too?

Any issues with the rattle can varnish or paint cracking or pealing?

[upnorth]

I have a few rods that are 4-5 years old and no signs of cracking yet. Both spray paint and varnish. Spar Varnish is what I use.

[rushing]

I understand how I can apply the spray paint, but how does lumiseal come and how should I apply it? Where do I find it too?

It comes in a liquid and you wipe it on with cheese cloth or a paint sponge and you can find it at most any rod building shop or site.

[Carpenter]

rushing, then do you hang it by the butt end? i can't think one can rotate it with your dryer.

[c0untryf1sh3r]

I'm with CAMAN, I would avoid the extra weight even if it is minute. Like my sticks to be as sensitive as possible.

But I would say you could turn it on your dryer to get an even coat and not have it all run down to the tip. Havent worked with it myself so dont know the consistency of it, be it thick like epoxy or thin.

Just my 2 cents.

[pureinsanity]

rushing, then do you hang it by the butt end? i can't think one can rotate it with your dryer.

You could make some type of jig for your dryer. So it would be essentially like a lathe. A pin or small nail into a board and slide the tip onto it. Then something that attached to your dryer motor that fits inside the butt end like a small cork.

[upnorth]

Cripes how thick you going to put the stuff on? And I would think it doesn't take near as long to cure/dry as thread epoxy. Or am I missing something here?

[rushing]

rushing, then do you hang it by the butt end? i can't think one can rotate it with your dryer.

Would hang by the butt end. Lumiseal is very thin coating and the weight is negligible.