Boo Varnish Question

[BlueRaiderFan]

Do boo rods have less varnish than graphite rods? I just bought a refinished boo rod and the varnish looks kind of thin. It's definitely not as thick as on my graphite rods.

[BlueRaiderFan]

[ahighlan]

Epoxy is typically used on graphite.

Varnish is among several finishes that are popular with bamboo builders and restorers, and is built up less than epoxy on graphite rods.

That said, the finish is thin on those wraps.

[BlueRaiderFan]

Thanks Ahilan, could I use a varnish from Home Depot? Do you recommend one?

[flyred06]

GMREEVES would be a good person to field this question to. Maybe he will see this post and answer in or you could IM him. He has alot experience with cane rod building.

[BlueRaiderFan]

Ah yes, I was hoping he might. Too much info out there for me to be certain but I trust his opinion.

[silvercreek]

I believe you live in the Nashville area. Drop the rod by at Cumberland Transit and let Leo look at it.

[BlueRaiderFan]

I've moved a bit but will try.

[Knothead]

I restored an old 'boo rod and used Minwax Quickdry Satin Polyurethane on it. I recently built a bamboo rod for a customer. I used Olympic Gloss Marine Spar Varnish on it- two coats. I put one coat on the thread and then the two coats on the whole rod. It turned out nice. Hopefully, when things slow down, I'll have some pictures on my website.
Graphite has a resin base; no varnish is used.
FWIW, I have an old bottle of varnish from about 48 years ago when that was used before epoxies came along.

[BlueRaiderFan]

Ah, thanks Knot. I'll stop by home despot today.