I have some older rods where the clear coat over the decal, name and action description, has scratches from years of use. I was wondering if anyone has tried sanding out the scratches and then reapplying a fresh coat of thread wrap epoxy? I know on cars, the clear coat can be sanded and when a new coat of clear is applied the two melt together for a clear like new finish.

Will the above technique also work with thread wrap epoxy like Flex Coat or will the sanded surface be seen once recoated?

Leonard,
Whenever that happens, I simply apply an additional coat of finish over the scratched area and that normally takes care of the issue. Just a nice even thin coat, after the area has been washed clean and you should be good to go.
After washing, be sure that the complete area is 100% dry so that there is no trapped moisture under the new coat of finish.

Best wishes.

Right on, Roger. It's amazing how wrap epoxy fills in and hides old scratches. No need to sand, some advocate scuffing the old surface, but Roger and I have posted that we have done without scuffing just fine.

Leonard,
In this rod building case, I agree with Roger and Michael = make certain it is very clean, allow it to thoroughly dry and recoat with your favorite thread finish. While there are methods to ensure better bonding of the old and new epoxy, that deals more with structural applications and this is certainly not. I am confident you will be very pleased with a simple recoat of finish.

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

Leonard, I've done this also and totally agree with the other three Gentlemen. When I'm doing rod repairs I mix a certain amount of finish anyway and I go ahead and spruce up the rest of the rod

I have used both finish epoxy and Permagloss to bring an old decal back to life on an old rod. The Permagloss is very easy to apply with a foam brush while turning, and gives a very thin smooth coat that is not prone to any waviness or sagging problems like that of an improperly applied epoxy finish. If using epoxy just make sure to use a thin coat.
Norm