Last year I installed an REC fly rod reel seat on a rod I was building. The wood insert that came with the skeleton had a nice grain pattern, but is very dull. This appears common with some REC wood inserts. I'd like to add some gloss to the wood surface without making it extremely glossy.

Has anyone tried adding gloss to an REC reel seat insert, and if so, what process or product would provide a nice finish? All ideas would be appreciated. I have a buffing wheel and rouge in my workshop but haven't tried this approach.

Jeff Shafer

Jeff,

If you want to try the buffing, go ahead. It may or may not work, but shouldn't hurt anything. If by some chance it's an impregnated insert, this should get the effect you want. If it's not, and this doesn't work, then you have the option of either 'covering' the finish already on the seat, or sanding it down and refinishing it.

I don't know what REC uses for the final finish step on their inserts. I'd give them a call first and see before I tried adding any kind of covering finish.

If it's regular wood, and you sand it down, you should be able to add the finish of your choice, as to type, gloss level, et. al..

Up to you if it's worth the time.

Good Luck!

Buddy

Well, I make pens and find that a CA glue finish shines up nicely and lasts a long time. I've take the REC blanks and lightly sand them with 320 grit sand paper on the lathe. Then with the lathe turning slowly I apply thin CA glue (super glue) with a paper shop towel. I apply a fairly large amount of glue. Once done I turn the lathe speed up and let it dry. I then will level sand (with the grain) to 600 grit and then turn on the lathe and apply more CA glue. Next, I'll level sand to 800 grit and then re apply the glue. Finally I sand at 1200 grit and then apply a light friction polish. The blank will have a nice gloss that will stand up for awhile. A periodic buffing should be all that is needed.