First I want to say that I know nothing about rod building or repair. I have a three piece, 12-foot Surf Fishing rod that has some damage to the finish. This damage was caused by a friend who borrowed it for a while and had the three pieces disassembled and held together with a rubber band while traveling and one of the guides apparently had scraped/scratched the coating. It appears that the coating on the rod has been scraped/scratched off, but it doesn't appear that the rod blank was damaged. My first question is; should I use this rod in this condition or will it possibly break? The second question is; if I purchased some flex coat and touched up the area, would that resolve the possibility for the rod breaking at that location? And lastly, is it worth even trying to save this rod. I will post some photos once I get to my beach house to take them and then I have to figure out how to post them. 

 

I know this isn't bass fishing related, nevertheless I know there are some very talented rod-smiths here that may be able to offer some advice. thanks in advance.

 

Jay

If the finish is damaged without any fibers in the blank being cut then feel free to use it at least short term as is.     If the fibers are not cut, simply refinishing the area will fix it cosmetically and functionally long term.  But do not use epoxy.  Too soft and heavy, hard to get a good finish.  The right material to use is Lumiseal, pemagloss, or some other water-curing polyurethane.  They cure almost immediately , so apply thinly with a foam brush or similar tool, and work fast.  Others recommend auto clear coat, which is glossy and flexible, dries fast, and easy to apply.

 

 

 

I do not believe any fibers are cut, but I will check. From what you proffered, what would be the best way of fixing this issue? I will have to take it to a professional to do so.

I don't think paint on a blank brings anything to the table. It's just for appearance. I have several rods with no finish on the blank. Just bare carbon fiber, and they hold up as well, if not better than painted blanks. No paint to get scratched up.

 

If the damage is only in one spot, and it were mine, I'd either do a thread wrap, or put on a decal, and epoxy over it. Look ar Angler's Workshop or Mudhole for decals. You can get flags, fish, mermaids, etc....  something quick as easy you can do yourself.

 

Trying to match paint, to make the spot look like nothing happened, is an exercise in futility.  

If the finish is all that is disturbed it's functionally fine. I find that the more you fuss with finishes you tend to make matters worse. If you feel the need to address it, buff it out best you can with some car wax and call any remaining scars "character ". 

.ghoti.

What are you talking about when you say put a decal on it?

5 hours ago, bird-dog said:

.ghoti.

What are you talking about when you say put a decal on it?

http://www.anglersworkshop.com/Decals/Bill-Mar-Decals

 

http://www.mudhole.com/supplies-rod-building/accessories-supplies/decals-stickers-accessories

Cool stuff. Thanks .ghoti.

 

Jay

You have the answers from the experts so take thier advice.

Surf rods get banged up with use from being in sand stake rod holds.

Clean the rod using warm fresh water and mild soap, then rinse with fresh water before doing anything else. Buffing usually means rubbing with fine steel wool to remove lose paint...do not use any solvents. What you do next is cosmetic.

Tom

Try to avoid steelwool if at all possible, scotchbrite is what you want. Sorry for the late reply.