I have an old Fenwick Steelhead rod. Think it is A 1020 or 1021 graphite. The guides and butt wrap were sealed with old style rod varnish, this was done in the late 70's. Any recommendation of how to safely remove this finish without damaging the finish on the blank ? The rod is in great condition but I want to put new lighte weight guides on it.
Thanks

Just slice the thread from the top of the rod feet, then pop the guide off and grab a thread end and unwind it. It will come off pretty clean compared to epoxy.

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If the finish is really varnish, you might try denatured alcohol. However, I don't think alcohol will be very efficient, but it is unlikely to harm the finish on the blank.I know you can certainly remove it with acetone.


If you use acetone, you must use it in a highly ventilated area. You must also use it judiciously because the finish on some of the early graphite rods can be softened and even peel when exposed to high levels of acetone.

I would begin by trying to snip under the thread wrap at the ring of the guide and peel the wraps off. Once you remove the wraps, you can determine if you need to dissolve the residue or just sand down the rsidue. If you choose the sanding, I would use a very fine sand paper. I use 1200 grit for finishing cork grips and buffing the blank for writing my name on th rod. You can find these fine grit sandpapers at auto detailing stores.

If you choose to use the acetone, I would soak the tip of a rag in the acetone and then hold it over the varnish for a few seconds. Now rub the area with a rag dampened in acetone and then remove what varnish you can. You will have to repeat this process several times to remove all of the varnish. If you notice any softening of the finish on the blank, I would cease and desist immediately. I hope this helps.

I suspect you will hear from many others with their methods as well. Study what every body says and then use the method that appeals to you.

Mike Blomme

I've re-finished 3 bamboo rods this past year, using a solution by "Howard" - "Restore-A-Shine Polishing Compound," fine. Cost about $7.00. I followed the directions on the back of the bottle. Instead of using a cloth. I used the finest steel wool possible, OOOO. The rods came out beautiful and the compound didn't affect the glue holding the bamboo together. Let the polishing compound work for you. I found the polishing compound at an Ace Hardware. This will take you a couple of hours of elbow grease, rubbing. This system was prescribed by a veteran fellow rodbuilder and I can't for the life of me, remember his name. (Getting old ain't for sissies.) Maybe he reads this forum and will input for you.