The wood inserts on some of my fly rods have faded over the years (especially the lighter color woods). Does anyone know of a way to restore their original luster?

Restoration will depend on the current condition of the wood as well as the original finish. If the wood is not in need of sanding just hand sand the remaining original finish. Starting with 150 or 220 grit garnet sandpaper you may wish to continue incrementally to 600 grit. At that point if the surface is uniformally sanded and scratch free you could appyly TruOil or a similar finish as directed. A final buffing will help return the luster if you are equipped with a buffer. Permagloss may be used as a finish also. It will provide a hard and enduring finish but is more difficult to apply properly.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 11/10/2005 10:02PM by Stan Grace.

If they are stabilized just use a buffing wheel.

Thanks Dave

I would just sand them down,using various grits down to 400 or finer,and then apply thin coats of True Oil,buffing with fine steel wool between coats,until you build up a nice finish.I did this with a Struble D2 Teak wood insert(and that was after boiling it in hot water to remove from another rod I might add,which made the insert about as faded and bland as it could be) and it turned out beautiful.

The True Oil finished insert was FAR nicer than the original oil finish IMHO.It has a nice glossy sheen,without being too thick or too glossy(if that makes any sense,LOL),and it brought out a depth in the wood that was not there before.LOVED the result and it was dead easy to do.

Thanks guys.