Bamboo Fly Rod Varnishes | The Alchemy

When you consider all the newer synthetic alkyds and urethanes on the market now, I shake my head primarily because, if we look back at historical archival restorations of Flemish and Italian oil paintings, there are time-proven flexible finishes. These finishes are combinations of amber-infused walnut and linseed oils. These mediums have lasted for centuries with incredible clarity and resilience against temperature, dirt, and grime. As a fine art educator and oil painter, I can confidently say that these amber-infused combinations produce the finest finishes on any bamboo fly rod. 

I can smell fly rods with straight urethane finishes, and these finishes lack any physical data demonstrating archival properties. Not only do Italian oil painters use amber infused varnishing techniques, but musical instruments that are over 500 years old still glisten using walnut oils and linseed oils that mingle effortlessly with amber. The result is an incredibly long-lasting, flexible, glowing finish. Silk wraps done with amber infused mediums never craze or silver even under extreme temperatures if cured properly. Not all beautiful wraps are created equal. The real question is which ones will last over one hundred years. Temperature and time are always my biggest concern while finishing. It will always make or break a finish.

If we look back in time, we have time-proven techniques that will outlast today's newest synthetic mediums and finishes. History has taken a lot of skinned knees and falls to get some of the oldest artifacts to last to the present day. Being mindful of centuries of experimentation is something I am very grateful for.

Clint Bova

www.cjbovarods.com

www.clintbova.com