If you’re like most fishermen, you probably have a few fiberglass fishing rods in your tackle box. And you’ve probably had at least one of those rods break on you.
While it can be frustrating to have your equipment fail on you, it’s important to remember that these things happen.
The good news is that repairing a fiberglass fishing rod is relatively easy, and in most cases, it can be done with simple tools and supplies that you already have at home.
In this blog post, we will show you how to refinish a fiberglass fishing rod to perform like new again.
What is Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
Fiberglass fishing rods are made from a combination of glass fibers and resin, making them very strong. The rods usually have handle grips that are either made out of cork or foam rubber.
Many anglers prefer fiberglass rods over other types because they’re lightweight, durable, and easy to repair when necessary.
Fiberglass rods can be used in both fresh and saltwater, making them ideal for people who fish regularly.
How to Refinish a Fiberglass Fishing Rod
A few years ago, I had an old fiberglass fishing rod that was starting to lose its finish. The rod had been used a lot, and the finish was starting to flake off in places, so I decided it needed some love.
I started by sanding down all of the old varnishes with 80 grit sandpaper until there were no more flakes left on my hand after running them along the surface of the fiberglass fishing rod.
Then I applied a new coat of varnish with 100 grit sandpaper until all the scratches were gone and my hand felt smooth again (this took about two or three coats).
I wanted to get some shine back, so I used 220 grit until it looked desired, then rubbed in some dry silicone oil using another clean rag. This gave it much more of a glossy look.
The next step was to apply two coats of urethane varnish (one coat on top and one underneath) using an airbrush gun at low pressure with the needle set between 50-60 psi so that it would not overspray too far outside my desired area but still have enough power for good coverage at the same time.
When I was done, I buffed any imperfections with fine sandpaper followed by polishing compound, then finished up by applying some silicone oil again and wiping down all excess residue from previous steps using a clean rag before finally putting on my favorite pair of jeans so that everything would match perfectly.
You can refinish a fiberglass fishing rod in many ways, but this is how I did it, and it worked out pretty well.
Why Refinishing a Fishing Rod Important?
A fiberglass fishing rod is a great investment for any fisherman. However, after years of use, the rod may start to lose its original luster and performance.
This is where refinishing comes in. By refinishing your rod, you can restore its original performance and appearance.
There are a few reasons why it is important to refinish a fishing rod:
- To restore the original luster and performance of the rod
- To protect the rod from further wear and tear
- To improve the grip on the rod
Refinishing your rod will restore its appearance and improve its functionality. The process is simple and takes only a few hours to complete.
For a rod to last longer, it needs to be properly cared for and maintained regularly.
A fiberglass fishing rod is made from a special material called glass-reinforced plastic (GRP). GRPs are commonly used in boat construction because of their strength and durability.
They can withstand extreme temperatures without cracking or breaking, unlike other materials such as wood or metal.
Although GRPs are durable and strong, they require some maintenance to keep them in good condition.
This includes refinishing the rod every few years to ensure it stays looking brand new for many more years of use.
A fiberglass fishing rod is an excellent investment that will last a lifetime with proper care. By refinishing the rod every few years, you can maintain its original performance and appearance.
What Type of Finish Should I Use on My Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
You can use a few different types of finishes when refinishing your fiberglass fishing rod.
They are epoxy, polyester, and urethane. Each type has its pros/cons, which we’ll discuss below. Also, there is one other thing to keep in mind. How much money do you want to spend on the rod?
Epoxy is the easiest finish to use and has the best performance. However, over time, it does not yellow provide a tough, durable surface against abrasion, chemicals (like oil, for example), UV rays from sunlight, etc.
The only downside with epoxy is that it’s expensive compared to the other two types.
Polyester resin is cheaper than epoxy, but it does not have as good performance, and it will yellow over time if left out in sunlight for too long (longer than a few years).
Urethane has better abrasion resistance, chemical resistance, etc., than polyester but is still not as good as epoxy. Urethane is also cheaper than epoxy but more expensive than polyester.
Can I Use Spray Paint to Refinish My Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
While spray paint can effectively refinish a fiberglass fishing rod, it is not the best option. The fumes from the spray paint can cause problems with your vision and breathing, and it can also affect the performance of your rod.
If you do choose to use spray paint to refinish your rod, make sure to wear a mask, gloves, and goggles.
Use the spray paint in an area that is well ventilated to avoid inhaling the fumes from the spray paint.
If you choose to use spray paint, it will be more difficult for you to get a smooth finish on your rod because of how quickly the material dries. It will also be more difficult to achieve a consistent color.
How Long Does It Take for the New Finish to Dry on a Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
The amount of time it takes for a new finish to dry on your favorite fiberglass fishing rod can vary. Some rods need as little as an hour or two, while others take several days before they are ready to be used again.
A good estimate is that most rods will need at least four hours before being usable again – this means that you should plan on doing this at least once every couple of weeks.
If you do not have time to wait for the finish to dry, some things can be done to speed up the process.
One way is by applying heat directly onto the rod with a hairdryer or other hot air device (such as a blow-torch).
Another option is using an electric heater and turning it on high setting while holding your rod over the top of it so as not to get burned by any flames that may escape from underneath.
You can also try applying some sort of wax product like Vaseline, which will help seal in moisture during this period until you’re able to give the rod a good finish.
Whichever method you choose, be sure that the rod is completely dry before attempting to use it again.
Can I Use Wax to Finish My Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
Yes, you can use wax to finish your fiberglass fishing rod. However, it is not recommended because the wax will melt in hot weather and degrade the performance of your rod.
Instead, it would help to consider using a polyurethane finish with UV protection added to it to avoid fading or discoloring when exposed to sunlight.
This will help keep your rod looking good and performing its best for years to come.
If you are refinishing a vintage fiberglass fishing rod, you must use the same type of finish originally used on the rod.
This will ensure that the new finish will be compatible with the old one and not cause any problems with how the rod looks or performs.
What Can I Use to Clean My Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
There are a few different things that you can use to clean your fiberglass fishing rod. For example, you can use a soft cloth and some warm water or mild detergent.
Be sure to avoid using any harsh chemicals or abrasives, as they could damage the finish of your rod.
If you’re looking for a more thorough cleaning, you can use a special rod-cleaning solution.
There are several different brands available, so be sure to do your research and find one that’s best suited for your needs.
Once you’ve cleaned your rod, it’s important to dry it off completely. Use a soft cloth to dry it off, and be sure to avoid leaving any water spots.
How Do I Clean the Guides on My Fiberglass Fishing Rod?
The guides on your fiberglass fishing rod need to be clean for the line to flow smoothly. To clean them, use fine-grit sandpaper to remove any build-up or corrosion.
You can also use a wire brush to get into tight spaces. Be sure to clean all of the guide surfaces and edges thoroughly.
How often should I clean my fiberglass fishing rod?
It would help if you cleaned your fiberglass fishing rod when you got home from a trip. It will only take a few minutes, and it’ll help prevent corrosion and extend the life of your rods.
Regular cleaning is a must if you have an expensive reel or even just one with sentimental value.
Advantages of Refinish a Fiberglass Fishing Rod
There are several advantages of refinishing a fiberglass fishing rod.
First, the new finish will help protect the rod from scratches and abrasions.
Second, the new finish can improve the look and feel of the rod.
Third, a new finish can enhance the rod’s performance by making it more slippery. Finally, a new finish can seal the rod’s surface to prevent water from entering the fiberglass.
Conclusion
It is important to remember that when refinishing a fiberglass fishing rod, the goal is to maintain its structural integrity while restoring its original appearance.
Use the correct type of sandpaper and follow the proper steps to achieve the best results.
By taking your time and following these instructions, you can restore your fiberglass fishing rod to its former glory and enjoy years of maximum performance.
