Actually, the rod blanks are painted. I was at the St. Croix plant and watched them do it using a special process. I promised I wouldn't tell how it's done. I don't know what type of paint they use as it has to be flexible, but the blanks that St. Croix manufactures are painted. Otherwise they'd all be slate gray. How Carrot Sticks are colored? I have no idea, but I do know they're black underneath that orange. I repaired a Carrot Stick for a friend and I think they're painted as well and the color is simply a marketing tool.... But I could be wrong. Steve
