I've been trying to remove the finish from a Loomis Bronzeback rod. This is something I've never attempted. Never been interested in a complete rebuild, but this is a "special" project.

The first attempt, I left the citristrip on for two hours; no results. Then four hours; no results. Then eight and then 24 hours; still no results.

All I've managed to do is dull the finish slightly.

Any suggestions?

When I have used citristrip, I usually brush it on foil pretty thick and wrap the rod in the foil for about 4 hours and the paint usually wipes off with a rag (sometimes a platic putty kniff for the little spots that refuse). Not sure how much you applied, but I have always had good luck doing it this way.

I don't think I've used it to remove a painted blank, but when I have used it to remove a finish, I do aluminum foil also. I also use water and a super fine scotchbrite pad to go over it after it has set for a few hours.

Thanks gents, I haven't heard of the foil trick. I'll give it a shot. The blank has just had it's second 24 hour application. the citristrip had dried to an uneven white coating; sort of looked like white chocolate covered pretzels. I scraped it off with a plastic putty knife, and almost none of the finish came off.

I'm using the spraycan version. Sprayed it on as thick as I could get it. Had it running down the blank. I'm wondering now if the spraycan contains a milder version.

I use the gel stuff in the bottle. Never tried the spray.

I use gel stuff too. Sat on the blank for 24 hours and paint came off pretty easily. I did it to a test section but don't see why it won't work for the whole blank.

On furniture projects I've never had luck with Citristrip below 80F, above that it can work miracles. Recently a local rod builder recommended 3M Easiest Stripper for a bamboo rod I'm working on.

I have been refinishing furniture for about 15 years. Sometimes when I am refinishing old furniture I find it helps to rough up the finish first. I would recommend using 0000 steel wool. I usually only need to let it sit for 20-40 min and it comes right off.
I have also had better luck using the gel than the spray on stripper.
I have not tried my hand on an old cane rod yet, but I imagine it would be the same.