I am attempting to rebuild a rod for a friend. All guides must be replaced - no prob. The old clear coat has cracked and is scuffed up. The cork handle is showing its age and use. I want to flock the cork instead of replacing it. What do I use to fill and level the cork surface prior to flocking? How can I clean up the blank and get it looking like new again? Thanks...

I have flocked only a couple of grips. It is a very easy process and I plan on using it more. You picked a good way to re-do the handle. I assume you have flocked before and know to use only Nylon fibres.

First fill the cavities with cork filler and sand smooth.

Apply a sealer and let dry. I use a primer paint.

Apply your epoxy nice and evenly and then flock away.

Where the guides were you will probably have some epoxy build up. Apply light heat and scrape the old epoxy off with a single edge razor blade. Hold the blade at a 90% angle with the blank taking lots of care to not scrape into any of the fibres in the blank.

As far as the blank finish, start wit a Citrus paint stripper and let it soak in for several hours and then wipe off. It may take several attempts to get all of the old removed.

After you are satisfied with the stripping process, apply several coats of Perma Gloss or the like.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Thanks Bill. I have flocked before and really like the results. What's a good source for cork filler?

You can go to a hardware type store and buy ``Elmers Wood Filler`` it will come in a squzeeze tube. The only difference between that and cork filler is the name. Elmers` makes them both

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio

Ok, I have stripped the old finish off the rod using a citrus stripper. The blank has gone from a shiny translucent root beer color to a flat dull brown. Will he color return when new finish is applied?
(Can I use spar varnish???)
Should I fill the cork handle next and paint it? Any particular paint recommended? Thanks for the advice Bill.

I have never tried Spar uerathane although I believe I have read where others have and have had success. Do a search asbove and you may find your answer

As far as painting the grip you can use most anything that will act as a sealer even the spar uerathane.

Bill

Ohio Rod Builders

Canton, Ohio