I am replacing a set of guides on an old graphite rod which had a very thin finish, clear, that pealed off. Raw graphite. I want to clean and wax the blank.
A. Can this be done?
B. If so, after or before I wrap the guides?
C. What kind of wax?

IMHO I would do it after the rod is complete. Things don't like to waxy surfaces too well.

Paul

Wax after!

There are numerous car waxes out there that will give excellent results. Look for Carnuba and avoild silicones.


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Better to have and not need than to need and not have.

DO NOT WAX BEFORE! ROD IS COMPLETE!!!!!

Have done many repairs and built a few rods. As a routine, before leaving the shop; a rod
is wiped down with alcohol - - to get off any dirty fingerprints; etc.. Then a coat of "Johnsons"
paste wax [ in yellow can ] is applied. An old floor wax, I think. Then the rod is "buffed" lightly
with a clean cotton cloth - - - sort of to re-arrange the wax to a shine; not to rub off the wax.
Seems to hold up good. I'm not fond of liquid "polishes"; etc. Any carnuba paste wax should do good.






Live Well ( go fishing) Love Much Laugh Often

Redoing finishes can be done in several categories.

Spray on furntiture polish: Okay. gives a nice luster and cleans up any minor dings but doesn't last long. Major finish pits will still be noticeable. Don't use this in the same place you wrap and finish though. Guaranteed fish-eyes.

Paste wax: Better. More durable and gives a deeper, long lasting satin luster. Carnuba, or any high quality car wax works for this. safe to use anywhere.

Duragloss. Best. Can fill and hide a lot of surface scratches and provides the best long lasting finish of these 3. Other urethanes can be used but this is good stuff for coating rods. You should do this before you rebuild, unlike the waxes where you should wait until after.

If you have a lot of areas where the finish has flaked off, then you might consider LIGHTLY sanding and refinishing with Duragloss. Most rebuilds turn out great with paste wax.

Hope this helps.

Terry

I wax all rods before leaving the shop and wax all of my rods a couple times a year and recommend the same to all. Makes them really easy to keep clean and , IMO, offers a certain amount of protection against abrasion, etc..

Listen to Terry about spray wax (or spray anything) in the room where you build!!!!!

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

How would you suggest cleaning prior to waxing?

Thanks to all for the comments!

Just rub down with denatured alcohol and use a paper towel to dry, then let it sit for awhile to make sure all the alcohol is evaporated. Wax on, wax off.

Good to go.

Terry