Fish Pirate,
I was finally able to talk with Gary this evening. Nice guy, slam FULL of information, but he never gave up any details or a name for the unmarked "stuff" you speak of. I point blank ask him twice during our 15 minute conversation, and he steered clear of an answer?
By the way, I'm not sure if I've mentioned it or not, but I custom paint Clear crankbait blanks, not wood. I'm not sure if that would matter or not? I wouldn't think so as a "topcoat".