Is there a product that can be applied to a graphite reel seat to make it look new again? I like to sand the areas where the cork meets the reel seat. I start with 240, then go 400 and wet sand up to 1000. The problem is, you can tell what got sanded because it will be a slightly lighter color gray. Taping off the reel seat works OK but that is just about impossible with a Fuji VSS Spinning Seat due to the curves. You get a really smooth transition from cork to graphite if you go ahead and sand the joint, but then you need to bring the graphite back. I have tried Mothers 'Back to Black' and that didn't get it. Might try the 'Wipe New' product. Wasn't sure if anyone has found something better.

U40 Permagloss brings the shine back to blanks, maybe it will do the same here, haven't tried it before. If you have a bit of varnish around the house I think it would give a similar effect to test with.

You have another option - sand the entire seat so it will be uniform in color.

..........

Steve,
Just take Xylene on a paper towel and wipe down the reel seat. The xylene will remove a touch of the reel seat and everything will match again.

Xylene is sold in the paint thinner section of big box stores.

Take care

i don,t like any solvent whos name starts with an "X"..lol.

Ben,
Easy fix.

Just take a magic marker and wipe out the name and rename the can to Lena.

Then you are not using a solvent that starts with X.

Problem solved.

Roger, there,s another solvent that bothrs me..it,s called Toulene, it starts with a grave marker..i think they are trying to tell us something..lol.

Ben,
Toluene is also a very good solvent for certain liquids.

As with any strong solvent, best to use them outside with a 20 mph cross wind so that you do not inhale any fumes. If you are inside, open windows with a fan blowing out side so that any fumes will end up outside and not in your body.

Best wishes.

i agree Roger but so far i have gotten by with just rubbing alcohol..