[ckalanik]

Ive finally wrapped and finnished my first rod and now I want to add some writing above the grip but everything i try seams to smear when i go to add finish. how do u guys do it? thanx!

[fishinbear43]

I sign it then let it dry a little bit & spray palyurathan on it let dry then coat it with the rod finish

[ezamora]

i've read many people, among those who consider the final handwriting needs to compliment a finely made rod, will use india ink which is permanent. they will apply the ink through a rapidograph pen, which is a fine instrument available at art supply stores and used in the drafting/architectural industries. rapidographs, and others of that type, come in various widths. any pen used for handwriting requires practice and a steady hand to look neat when applied to a rod. on the otherhand, i've seen some gawdawful writing too, so it all depends on your priorities.

decalconnection.com also offers easily applied decals which can be transferred as a waterslide or dry depending on what you opt for and many different fonts can be used. i think they can also transfer handwriting into a decal too but check with them.

as an aside, they also offer 5-6 different styles of "alignment dots" available as decals too.

eric
fresno, ca.

[hardhat]

My hand writing is very poor. Because of that I use model RR decals. The paper can be purchased for either ink jet or lazer jet paper. So now I do more than just signature and rod description.

[mojo]

Figure out where you want to put your sig, lay down a coat of thread epoxy/varnish or whatever you used for your thread. Let it dry and put your sig on it. Then give it another coat. I bought a Speedball calligraphy kit at Michaels and used the black and silver ink. I have pretty piss poor penmanship, but I just practiced on some broken rods and went for it. Different nibs for finer writing. Reason for laying down a coat of epoxy first? If you don't like it later, sand it off, and re-do it without messing up the blank.