I just marbled the top portion of seat (no foregrip)and put a clear coat of LS over the whole seat except for threads and where reel fits. I'm happy with the way it turned out!
Pack of 5 1/2" X 8 1/2" foam sheets 40 different colors for under 5 bucks! Great for grip accent trims.
http://creativehands.net/secondaryhtmls/wheretobuy.html
AMTAK 5'lt IM6 Cub Scout rod. After hearing all the horror stories about yellow thread, I went with an "underwrap" of LS colored with TAP yellow pigment instead of thread. Worked out pretty nice (I think)
Finally finished (except for a final sanding/Tru-Oil) First useable project from about $400 in lathe/equipt.
Far from perfect, but you always remember your first