I have some Rainshadow blanks that came from the factory with the blank ID written on them in some sort of pencil or china marker. The writing is about 3 or 4 inches from the butt end of the blank. I want to make split grips on these blanks but I can not remove the writing. I have tried alcohol, erasers, and a few other things. Short of sanding them off with 1000 grit sand paper (not sure that will work either) is there anything that will take this writing off? What was used to mark the blanks?

The marking may be under the blank clear coat, in which case you're left sanding down to it or covering over it with thread, marbling, etc.

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Have you tried whiskey? Won't remove it, but you won't care if it's on there afterwards...

Seriously, I'd just plan on decorating that area of the rod-that split grip area. It's a great reason to make a split grip in the first place; gives an added area to do some custom work to and add to the beauty of your new rod. You'll be re-finishing after sanding down the the blank anyhow to get that marking removed...

Putter
Williston, ND

Chris,
I have noticed that marking many times on Rainshadow blanks and I am pretty sure that it is just done with a pencil. It is in a place that is normally covered by the handle. I am a little surprized that it did not come off with a pencil eraser but I know that it can be a bit of a pain getting marks off of any matt finish. If you do not want to cover it with cork or a wrap of some sort, before I attempted to sand it off I would call Karry Batson at Batson Enterprizes and ask him how to get it off. They are really nice people and I am sure that they will do everything they can to help you.

if it's not covered by a coating, have you tried your fingernail?

eric
fresno, ca.

on the matt blank, I tried almost everything except acetone and lacquer thinner. Even scotch brite (I was desperate??) I ended up just leaving it on the rod. I think it added character. And it definately says "I wasn't bought at WalMart!" On a green one I'm currently building, it appeared to be under the green coating, but was back far enough it was covered by the rear part of the split grip.

Ran into the same problem with a Payne graphite blank. What I ended up doing was wrapping that section with some silk thread, put a finish on it. Turned out to be a good looking fix.