I am redoing a rod that I built a couple of years ago. I stripped the guides, and in the process, removed some of the original finish from the blank. It is a partial removal at the location of the original guides. The replacement guides will not be in the same location. Is there a good way to restore the finish at the original location of the guides on the blank?

Ed,
I am puzzled why the rod requires rebuilding after only “a couple of years”. That stated, seriously consider stripping the entire blank of all blank finish down to the last coat of epoxy covering the fibers (CF or FG) originally holding everything together. This really depends on how picky you, or your customer, are. Scraping, NOT shaving, with a single-edge razor blade works exceptionally well and quickly for me without damaging the fibers of the blank while others employ plastic blades or expired credit cards to perform the same task (search rod refinishing). After a coat or two of PermaGloss, the blank will look like new and be ready for guide placement and wrapping. Attempting to short-cut the process by only refinishing the areas under the present wraps will likely prove to be noticeable, if not unsightly, and may end-up requiring more time, but again, it depends on how picky you and/or your customer are. Good luck and let us know what you decided and how it turned out.

Mark Talmo
FISHING IS NOT AN ESCAPE FROM LIFE BUT RATHER A DEEPER IMMERSION INTO IT!!! BUILDING YOUR OWN SIMPLY ENHANCES THE EXPERIENCE.

A clear coat or a coat of paint will protect guide wraps but are not necessary to protect a rod blank - other than bamboo. I would not be surprised if a coat of finish adds more weight to a blank than the use of micro guides saves, especially if you go for that deep, glossy finish.

I wasn't happy with guide placement on the original build. Thus the reason for redoing the guides.

The area where you removed the guides can be masked off and finished with PermaGloss or similar. You may be able to note the area where the blank has been refinished but that's about all you can do unless you want to refinish the entire blank.

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I would strip the blank as Mark suggested. It is not that difficult to do, and goes very quickly. I use a utility knife, it’s just a single edge blade with a handle. Scrape by holding the blade perpendicular to the blank. The finish will come off easily and this does not harm the blank. After scrapping I wet sand with 800 to 1500 grit wet/dry paper. This will remove all traces of old finish, and again this will not harm the blank, it is almost like polishing the blank. After cleaning I usually give the blank a clear coat using Permagloss. However, clear coating is just an option, you can leave the blank unfinished, or you can paint it, your choice. A far as adding weight, it is of interest to know that I have weighed rods before stripping off the old finish, and after stripping and clear coating. In almost every case the rod winds up slightly lighter, mainly because the old finish is heavier than Permagloss. Permagloss is quickly wiped on using a cosmetic sponge, or cheese cloth, or even a coffee filter. When applying, the applicator is held tight on the blank, and it’s like squeezing the finish onto the blank. This gives a very thin, durable, and light finish that looks good. If painting that a different thing.
Norm