I'm rewrapping an old sage fly rod - putting on new handle and spinning guides for a float & fly rod for bass fishing - The finish is shiny - can I just sand this down a little to a matte finish or do I have to remove the finish altogether? And if I must - how would I remove the old finish?
Thanks Burt

Burton,
You might be able to sand the finish down to a matte finish by using 600-800 wet and dry paper used wet.
But, there is a good chance that if you start sanding, you will sand through the finish. If you do, then you are not going to have any choice except to sand and remove the finish completely, or to repaint with a matt finish.

Often, there is a primer coat under the finish coat. If you do go through the finish coat, you will often be left with splotches of different colored primer. Then, you will need to go through the finish as well as the primer.

If you do, decide to go through the finish and the primer then just start with 100 grit paper and go finer and finer - - used wet and you will have it off in no time. I often just sand in a bath tub, so that I can keep the rod and paper wet while sanding.

Or, you can just sand vertically in a bucket of water using the paper wet.

Be safe

I'd use very fine Scotchbrite or very fine steel wool, not sandpaper. It wouldn't take much to degloss the rod.

.............

Thanks guys - Sage has a deep finish and I think the guy who wrapped the original blank put epoxy finish over the original - I think I'll start with scotchbrite and see where it leads me.
Thanks again
this is exactly why I love this site
Burt

Tom is on the right track oooo steel wool will nock the shine off.

Scotchbrite is best . NEVER use steelwool. Happy New Year

Hello,

I found out quite by accident that the fine blue Scotchbrite pads will give a nice matte look without going too deep.

-chad

I have used Scotchbrite wet, used it like sand paper while turning the rod with my electric drill. You would be amazed at how smooth you can get it. I have done this twice with good results. Keep it wet. Keep it moving. Apply even pressure, dont over heat any area. Wipe it off and check your progress often. Good luck.