My son was recently given 2 Pezon et Michel 7 foot 4 inch bamboo rods in need of some guide repair. There appears to be varnish on the guide thread as opposed to epoxy. Can I retie and use epoxy on the guides? Also the finish on the rod is worn off in a few places. Is practical to strip and sand the rod and refinish? Thanks for any help.

Yes, you can re-wrap and finish using epoxy, but long oil, spar varnish has more "warmth".

Yes, it is very practical to strip, re-wrap, and re-finish. It's is not difficult but you will need guidance. Beg, borrow, or buy a copy of Bamboo Rod Restoration Handbook by Michael Sinclair. It is something close to a Bible for bamboo restoration.

Happy to help with specific, one off questions here, but you really need the book or in-person help from someone who has done it before.

Good luck



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/13/2022 03:45PM by Donald La Mar.

Bill,
First, you will need to decide if you will be RESTORING or REFURBISHING the rod. If it is valuable, historic or you just want to keep it as original as possible, then RESTORE it using the same materials and methods used originally. If that is not a concern, then REFURBISH it which will allow you to use modern materials and methods which are probably better than the ones used originally and simply allows more freedom of choice. It really boils-down to what a purest you are.
Assuming the rod is not a valuable relic, if you are going to be replacing the wraps anyway (possibly the guides as well) and if the “finish on the rod is worn off in a few places”, it would be silly to not strip and replace the blank finish. The old varnish will quickly and easily pop and flake off (wear eye protection) if scraped with a razor blade held 90* to the surface of the blank. If required after scraping, use 320 grit sandpaper backed with a hard block to LIGHTLY sand. Use caution to keep the sandpaper flat on the “flats” of the blank to avoid rounding the corners. Wipe off the sanding residue with a damp cloth, apply a coat of PG and you’re done. It is my understanding that PG was originally formulated as a bamboo blank finish. It can (and often is) used as a thread wrap finish as well when a minimal amount of weight is a priority. But there is no other reason why you cannot use epoxy.

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

Nothing looks more elegant than a spar varnish finish on a bamboo rod.

No matter what finish you decide to use the old finish has to be removed and surface prepped.

For me spar varnish on bamboo, epoxy on glass or composites.

Good luck..



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 07/13/2022 05:14PM by John DeMartini.

Mark T makes a very important point; there is a big time difference between restore and refurbish. A restoration can be demanding, especially in terms of the components and materials used. Conversely a refurbish opens the door to the use of contemporary materials, components and techniques, some of which are arguably superior to those required for a restoration.

You can use epoxy and obtain the same look as varnish. Apply enough epoxy to saturate the wrap. Let stand for a few minutes. With either your finger or a very stiff brush, attempt to remove as much epoxy as possible. Rotate the rod with either your finger or stiff brush against the wrap. The result will be the same look as a few coats of varnish.

....................

A Special word of caution when stripping old finish from a Bamboo rod.
It is VERY important to not round of the edges, take too much and you may cause blank damage.
Careful scraping is generally better, use a sanding block with GREAT care!

Best wishes,
Ron Schneider
Schneider's Rod Shop
Mountain Home, Arkansas
[www.schneidersrods.com]
mtnron40@yahoo.com
870-424-3381