Don't use Flex coat to coa the entire rod!!!!!
Use perma gloss. that's what it's made for.
I would try a light sanding with 600 grit and finish of with 1000. Wipe claen and then use 3 coats of perma gloss. Wrap on the guides and coat them with either flex caot of perma gloss. Perma gloss on wraps looks like the stuf they would have origianlly used.