If you were sanding a blank what would be the best option for coating the blank once it's sanded? For protection and appearance, this is the first blank I've sanded and never had to refinish the blank itself.

Thanks,
Ron

You really don't want to sand a blank - that tears and cuts the outer fibers (which are the most important ones). To remove old finish or paint, scrape or use a mild stripper.

I would refinish the blank with PermaGloss. Directions are on the library page here.

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Different approach. It really is not necessary to insist on a finish on a graphite blank. I am presently building on Lamiglas Polished blanks that have absolutely no finish of any type on the surface. They are quite striking looking and have an almost translucent appearance that matches almost any thread. The surface has a number of advantages. One of the most important to me is that it does not scratch or mar - after months of use the rods look just like they did when they were finished. Maybe Todd Vivian will share with us the way the rods are polished at the factory.

I have some 1,500 and 2,000 grip polishing paper squares that are used to buff out automotive finishes. I have used them to wet sand a couple of blanks to recreate what I am getting from Lamiglas on the polished blanks. I have seen no damage to the blank surface with this polishing media as yet. I would heed TKs advice about sanding for removal of existing finish until a method is developed to get to the polished blanks surface desired.

You're not likey to do much harm to a blank with something like 1000+ grit sandpaper. The amount of abrasion that takes place at level is very, very fine. But when most guys tell me they're sanding a blank, I take to mean that they're stripping it with sandpaper in a more coarse grit, such as 150 to 320. That type paper will indeed cut and tear the outer fibers. Heavier blanks can stand some of this, many lighter, thinner walled models cannot.

I should have been more clear about the grit size I was referring too.

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