How to Lacquer a Bamboo Fishing Pole

Prized by traditional anglers for its natural beauty and functionality, bamboo is a dense, grass-like fiber with a strong, springy action aptly suited to fishing rod construction. Traditionally coated with a clear protective varnish, bamboo fishing rods are also coated with lacquer when a deep, richer finish is desired. If a bamboo rod sees a lot of use, the protective finish will begin to wear out. In the event, the rod must be thoroughly refinished to properly protect the bamboo fibers from damaging dirt and moisture.

Things You'll Need

  • Razor blade
  • Masking tape
  • 200-grit sandpaper
  • 320-grit sandpaper
  • Cloth
  • String
  • Spray lacquer
  • Rubber band
  • Rod wrapping thread
  • Scissors
  • Bottle cap
  • Detail paint brush
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Instructions

    • 1

      Remove the rod guide wrappings. Slit the wrappings over the guide feet with a razor blade. To avoid damaging the bamboo, do not cut the wrappings on the rod itself. Gently peel the wrappings from the rod with your fingernails and wiggle the guides free from the rod with your fingers.

    • 2

      Wrap masking tape over the rod ferules and top rod guide to protect these components from being damaged during sanding. Sand the rod with 200-grit sandpaper to remove all of the old finish. Follow this with a thorough sanding with 320-grit sandpaper. Wipe the rod clean with a cloth.

    • 3

      Recover the ferrules and top guide with fresh masking tape. Tie a string around the top rod ferule and tie the rod to an overhead structure, such as a joist or rafter in a garage or basement.

    • 4

      Apply the lacquer. Hold a spray can of lacquer just above or below the suspended rod. Push the button on the can nozzle down with your finger and move the can along the entire length of the rod, keeping the nozzle of the can 8-inches from the rod. Move the can in a long, continuous motion without stopping until the nozzle has cleared the opposite end of the rod. Release the nozzle button and repeat the procedure until all areas of the rod are covered with a light coat of lacquer.

    • 5

      Allow the first coat of lacquer to dry as per the manufacturer's instructions before applying subsequent coats. Apply a total of four light coats to all areas of the rod. Allow the final coat of lacquer to cure for at least 48 hours.

    • 6

      Replace the rod guides. Secure one end of a guide to the rod with a rubber band. Tuck the end of a piece of rod wrapping thread under the free end of the guide -- the end not held by the rubber band. Wrap the thread tightly around the guide from the outside end of the guide foot to the spot where the base of the guide tapers upward, towards the eye. Cut the wrapping with a pair of scissors.

    • 7

      Spray a few squirts of lacquer from the spray can into a small container, such as a milk jug bottle cap. Smooth the loose end of the guide wrapping to the rod with your finger. Apply lacquer to the wrapping with a small brush, working the brush in the same direction as the wrapping. Allow the lacquer to dry and apply a second coat of lacquer to the wrapping with the brush.

    • 8

      Remove the rubber band from the guide. Wrap the opposite end of the guide with thread and coat the wrapping with varnish. Repeat the procedure for the remaining rod guides.