Hi all, I want to buff up the old wands, could I use a polish like Windolene or Pledge or are other options useful ?
TIA.

It really depends on what state the rods are in? I've used car wax in the past which does make them more shiny and also coats them to prevent water getting under the varnish etc. However, it is short lived and it has to be done regularly. If the rods are really bad then the only real option is to sand down and re-varnish but in my opinion that's something for the rod builders to do.

In reply to Post #2
Nah, the rods are almost new, I just need to buff them up a bit after being in storage for 3 years. Thanks for answering.

What I do is use "Sesame Oil". It justs needs a very tiny amount on a piece of kitchen roll and just rub all three rods with it. It makes them look brand new with a slight matt sheen (my rods are matt to start with) and if their is any white watermarks etc, it gets rid of them as well and one application lasts months.

And as its sesame oil, it does not taint your hands etc which you could then taint your baits with like if you did use windolene etc, plus, it doesn't half make your rods waterproof, water just beads and shakes off when you pack up to put in your holdhall.

Baby wipes are great for this.

In reply to Post #1
The silicone restorers sold for plastic and other none metallic parts are great on rods.
I use Armourall protectorant and have done for years, cleans rods up very well. It also can be used to restore and lubricate monofiliment line.

In reply to Post #6
That looks handy, I could get the shrink wrap buffed up too.

In reply to Post #7
I have never used it on shrink wrap, it would make it slippery.

In reply to Post #4
The thought of using sesame oil even though we cook with it a lot I can't stand the smell. Not sure I agree re tainting bait, I'm not sure how sensitive a Carp is, but at least it's a 'nice taint'

I must admit I've only ever used a cloth and no buffing agent but if I were to use anything unatural I'd probably use a silicone based lubricant, in my case as I have it anyway, pole elastic lubricant, if it's safe to use with thin poles costing 1000's I'm sure it'll be fine on a rod.

In reply to Post #8
I just checked and they confirm that, so, warm water then.

In reply to Post #1
Have a look at this (Google search)-- easy gloss carbon fibre polish & protect

Something else I have just thought of that would work if you want to go down the line of "Chemical Cleaners", Carplan "Flash Dash", you use it to clean your dashboard in your car and leaves it shiny, it has a very high silicone content which water just beads off. I have used it on my carbon framed bikes for about the past 15 years so should work on carbon rods. But, when you use "chemical cleaners and polishes" etc, its always wise to test a small area on a rod before doing the whole rod in case solvents etc attack the rod varnish.

Its why I use it on my bikes especially when the roads are very wet and mucky, it all just drops off helping the frame to keep clean longer.

And if you use a vannila scented one, it will make your rods smell fresh!!!

In reply to Post #12
I've temporarily 'liberated' a can of silicon lubricant from work and will test it on my old chuckers first, they have both varnished and unvarnished parts.
Thanks for all your suggestions folks.

In reply to Post #13
Good you got it sorted


To add late.... I use bike silicone protect/shine spray. Safe for carbon and its in the garage anyway - reels and rods get an occasional spray or wipe with a cloth of they are out when I've given the bike a clean.

Pretty much same stuff as recommended above