I am rebuilding a Fenwick fiberglass rod and the owner is requesting a semigloss finish for the blank. I used the Trondak finish on another of his rods and he said that the glare from the sun is too much for him. :) Does anybody have any suggestions? I would also like something that dries slower than the Trondak finish.

Thanks in advance,
Doug

I'm actually hoping for brand recommedations if anybody has any.

Thanks again,
Doug

PermaGloss is a gloss urethane. You could visit your local hardware store and look for a semi-gloss urethane. Do try to make sure it is a "marine" type product and labeled for exterior use.

There is also the possibility of dulling the shine of a gloss finish with some fine scotchbrite or steel wool.

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Is it possible to use a "wiping varnish" on a fiberglass blank? I don't mean possible (anything is possible, right), but is it reasonable?

I used Formby's, which I've learned is nothing but a thinned down polyurethane "whiping" varnish, when I finished a bamboo blank a few years ago. After a half a dozen coats, it really looked great and was easy as pie to apply. Barely soak a rag, wet down the blank, and hang it to dry. Rub it with a scotchbrite pad, wipe off the dust, and do it again. It was a "low-lustre" version of the finish and look fantastic. I doubt a true tung finish would do much on a non-pourous synthetic rod blank, but maybe those wiping poly finish might be ok?

Hey - it never hurts to ask. I have a blank I want to refinish, and a nearly unusued bottle of Formby's.

Bob

Will I have to add anything to the urethane to keep it from cracking or flaking caused by the repeated flexing of the rod?

Thanks,

Urethane is fairly flexible. You should not have any problems. It is one of the better self applied blank finishes I have found.

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Tom,

Thanks again for your help.

Doug Hall