Scratches in the blank..

Recently notices some unexplainable scratces in the butt sections of of two of my rods. These are surface scratches and only become apparent on very sunny days. Is there any way to fix them? they are scratches on the finish of the blank…I do some hiking with the rods put together to get to some spots…perhaps that’s what they are from…really not sure…just normal wear and tear I suppose.
Janus

I have used auto body polishing compound to remove minor blemishes from rod finishes. Keep in mind that most rods have a painted finish, either a clear top coat or a clear top coat over a color base. Most likely your scratches are in the clear top coat and the actual graphite or glass and graphite is undamaged.

You can treat them just like a scratch in the car. I have had good results using 'Meguiar’s Fine Cut Cleaner #2" it’s formulated to remove paint swirls. A dab of polish on a scrap of old T shirt and lots of elbow grease will result in a nice low luster finish. You can follow up with a finer grits for a mirror polish. I prefer the low gloss, less rod flash to scare the fish.

As durable as todays clear finishes are, they can easily be scratched by trees, brush, grit and the occasonal hook point.

Before trying rubbing compound which is a little aggressive I’d first try just using a car paste wax, if that doesn’t work move up to a polishing compound followed by paste wax. If that doesn’t work then lastly try rubbing compound, then polishing compound and finish with paste wax. When done the blank should look like new.

Ken is exactly right. Before trying rubbing compound which is a little aggressive I’d first try just using a car paste wax, if that doesn’t work move up to a polishing compound followed by paste wax. If that doesn’t work then lastly try rubbing compound, then polishing compound and finish with paste wax. When done the blank should look like new.

Thanks for the tips I appreciate it.