All guides should be underwrapped. The added weight is insignificant compared to the protection that this affords the rod blank. The underwrapping should also include a thin (light) two part slow cure epoxy finish. The underwrap can be treated with color preserver or untreated. If untreated the color of the blank will show through the thread, which will "disappear" on the blank.

Wrapping: assume that the rod is lying horizontally with the butt end of the rod to your left and that the first wrap that you will do is "from the left," in other words the first guide foot to be wrapped is the one closest to the butt end of the rod.

Start by securing the end of the winding thread on the opposite side of the guide that you are going to wrap, or to the tip end of the rod. Pass the tape around the blank in long, even spirals past the guide to the point where you want to begin the wrap. Overlap the last long loop several times (normally 10 complete turns will effectively anchor the thread) with thread fed from the spool. Remove the tag end from the blank and gently pull the end to bring any loose windings under the overwrapped thread. Rotating the blank while pulling on the tag end will make this step easier. Cut the tag end of the thread near the overwrapped thread. The best method for this is a new clean single edged razor blade. As razor blades are sharpened with an oil based solvent it is best to clean the blade with denatured alcohol first. Hold the blade steady and pull the thread against the blade (DO NOT "saw" with the blade).

With the tag end removed continue wrapping up over the guide foot. A slight reverse angle of attack will lay the thread in a consistent even layer (referring to the left/right layout above, this would put the thread coming from left to right against the first 10 spirals of thread).

To finish the wrap leave space for approximately 10 turns of thread. Secure a noose of quality leader material or other slick, thin diameter line under the remaining 10 spirals of thread. Put your finger on the spirals. Cut the end of the thread feeding from the spool of thread. Tug gently to apply a bit more tension. Slip the tag end through the noose and in one smooth motion pull the noose plus the tag end back under the final spirals of thread. To remove the tail place the razor blade flat against the rod blank at the point that the thread emerges from under the wraps and pull the thread at a 90 degree angle against the blade. Again, referring to the original layout, the sharp side of the blade will be facing the butt end of the blank and the thread will have emerged facing the butt end of the blank. The thread should therefore be pulled toward the tip end of the blank. If this doesn't cut the thread without effort and without moving the razor blade, the razor blade is dull and should be immediately replaced.

Multiple color overwraps can be done in several ways. I prefer to strip off sufficient thread from a second spool (accent color) and secure it under the primary color in the first 3 passes of overwrap spirals. To do this I lay the second (accent color) horizontally along the rod blank and tape it in place until I reach the point where I want the accent color to appear. This will put the accent color thread under at least 7 and preferably more spirals from the feeder spool. From the point that you wish to have a two (or more) color guide wrap it is only necessary to hold the accent color adjacent to the feeder spool thread.

Visualize it this way: you want to make a black and white multiple color guide wrap. Start with the black thread as if you were wrapping a single color guide wrap. After three turns feed the white thread from right to left under the black thread. Allow the white thread to extend beyond the black bands. Make at least 7 passes of black over the white thread. When you untape the black thread to cut the tag end, allow the white thread to appear from under the 7 passes of black thread. It will appear as 10 spirals of black, one spiral of white followed by a spiral of black and continue for as long as you want the accent color to show. To end it, pull the white accent color under the black thread and tape in place to the right. Complete the wrap as for single wrap.

Variations on this theme

Start with black as above. Continue with the black/white/black pattern. Pull 6-7 inches of thread from the black feeder spool and pull it under the white thread and then back over the top for one rotation. Allow the tagged end of the black thread to lay under the white thread for several revolutions. Complete the guide wrap as for a single color. The pattern then will go from a solid black band to a black/white spiral and end in a solid white band against the base of the guide. It is possible to not pass the black thread back over the white and wrap against the blank under the white thread. This takes a great deal of care when finishing the wrap, as the black thread may slip out from under the single spot where it is crossed by the white thread.

Start with black and underwrap two threads of white. Bring two threads up at revolution # 7. After 10 or 12 revolutions pull one white thread back under. Pattern will be black/white/white/black for 10 revolutions then black/white/black. End as for a standard double wrap.

Start with black thread and underwrap two white threads. At revolution #7 bring up one white thread. At revolution #10 or #12 bring up the second white thread. Pattern will be black/white/black for revolutions 7 through 10 and black/white/white/black for as far as you like.

Start with black thread and under wrap two white threads. At revolution # 7 bring up one white thread. At revolution # 12 bring up a second white thread. At revolution # 17 return one white thread under the black thread. At revolution # 22 return the second white thread under the black. Finish in black. This is a stunning wrap as the band of white appears; begins thin; expands and returns to thin until it disappears again under the black thread.

I used 5 revolutions between each step, but any number is possible as long as there are at least 10 revolutions of thread to pull the tag end(s) under at the guide foot.