Hi I am working on my first build. I got a Mhx Hi-Mod P843 blank. When it said "Polished" I didn't think it would not need any type of finishing but it looks like it was just scuffed up with a scratch pad or something.
So what do I need to do with it? Can it be polished out & how? I don't want to add the weight of a finish on the entire blank if I don't have to.

leave it be..there is nothing wrong with it...if you want a gloss finish then spray it with a clear coat or wipe it with permagloss

If you do a search for rod finish, I have posted links before on a gel polyurethane product I use for woodturning. It is more of a satin finish, but works great with a couple of light coats to cover the rod.

Curtis,
Build the rod and enjoy it.
If you want a bit of shine to the rod, just take some wax - apply and polish the wax after the rod has been completed.

You have a Matte finish on the rod, which is my preferance by far for a rod. Tough, nothing to nick or chip and will look the same for the life of the rod. Excellent way to have a blank to build on.

Roger

if it has scratches in it try a very fine auto compound

Bill - willierods.com

Yup, just a coat of Carnuba auto wax and it will have a nice sheen! I do this on my XMGs and blanks that I strip the paint off of. The nice thing about a bare blank is lack of scratches in the finish!

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

Most waxes will probably have silicons in them That is why i recommend a compound

When I painted cars If some one Even Opened a can of wax The silicons would get sucked into the booth and the whole car would - Fish Eye

Bill - willierods.com

Thanks guys, I am fine with a nice even matte look it just needs some help getting there. From the tip to say 2/3 of the way up the shaft it looks great but the 2' or so at the butt just doesn't look evenly sanded almost like it just needs to be hit with 0000 steel wool or something to even it out. But since I am new at this I figured I'd better do some searching and after not finding what I was looking for I figured I'd ask. (I'll try to search again)

Has anyone ever used Penetrol for this? I used it on the gel coat of a boat once . Anything I need to avoid besides waxing it before it's got the finish applied ?

I can't wait to get this thing built, I've heard great things about the blanks, I got the split grip handle done & it turned out amazing! IMHO I turned it out of Eucalyptusptus Burl with rubberizedized cork on the ends...

Once I figure out a bit more on posting in the photo section I'll post a pic.

Cover it with a handle

Bill - willierods.com