I decided to re-finish the guide wraps on my custom fly rod, and am wondering what to use for a finish? Last time I used a type of epoxy which I put on myself and it quickly fell apart so I'll probably pay a shop do the work this time. Also, how do I make a label for it? I just want it to say the make, model and my name. Anybody here done this to a rod before?

Check out the RodGuild.com and rodbuilding.org sites. Most likely the most informative custom rod building sites available.
Good luck.

Or visit:
The Rod Rack

Gteg`s Custom Rods in Lake Stevens. 425-335-3320.

For the rod finish, just use the normal two-part epoxy that they sell especially for this purpose. Make sure you mix enough of it (like at least 6cc's) so that your mixture ratios can't be too far off... this is the source of most people's problems. Use a flame to get the bubbles out once you're brushed it on... the best way is with a little alcohol burner/squeeze bottle, you can get them from Anglers Workshop (they have a web site).

I've been scratching my head on how to make labels to put on my rods. The best thing would be to have custom rub-on letters made, this is do-able, and you can find a couple of places on the net that will do it for you, but it's expensive and only really an option if you plan on building A LOT of rods, since you'd have to get a whole sheet made.

Other than that, go to your local crafts store and pick up one of those fine point (like 0.7mm) metallic ink "gel" pens. They come in gold, silver, all sorts of colors. Have your graphic artist girlfriend do the lettering (like I do) because she makes pretty letters. Make sure you let it dry well... this stuff will rub off and make a mess otherwise. Then, once it's good and dry, very gently coat over it with epoxy... don't brush the epoxy on at first, sort of drip it on, you don't want to disturb the ink. Makes for a cool look.

-N.

I like Flex Cote Lite, which can be purchased at Shoff's Tackle in Kent, Kauffman's Flyfishing in Seattle or Bellevue, or Creekside in Issaquah.

The regular is good, too, but makes a higher build finish than I like.

I use flexcoat but you don't need to use 6cc's it is a waste. if you use syringes you can get even amounts with no problem. I also use gel pens to write on my blanks but like it was stated earlier they do smear so be carefull.

For labels I go to a local sign shop .Like a store that deals in vinyl graphics . They will print it on a clear self adhesive material. Its great you can pick out the size,color and font.