In reply to Post #1
If the whippings are milking up, they'll need re-doing.
Adding a layer on top may help temporarily but the damage is done and will return.

It is aesthetic though, the guides won't fall off, just look a little unsightly.

Only use products designed for red building on them, avoid the gorilla glue/araldite products.

You can finish a rod without a drying motor, but it is very labour intensive sat there turning it for 4/5 hours per section.
If you value you time and sanity, invest in one for the job and sell it off after.