REEL CLEANING

[kevin cozens]

Does anyone know of a good way to restore the shine of a graphite bodied reel such as a daiwa sealine.
I find they are terrible for going dull. they only seem to shine if they have grease or oil on them

[ExcessiveAngler]

Well, I do think I had some luck with armor all before!
But my go to is, WD-40 never lets me down!
Even when I find rods that are all dulled up!
I spray them down and wipe them off, and they almost always, look brand new lol!

[Midway Tommy]

ArmorAll will only last for a short period of time. Once the sun hits it and it dries out the graphite or plastic will become cloudy again. WD-40 will last a little longer but IMO stinks and feels gross. If you want something that does a good job and will last a fair amount of time get some Penetrol and follow the instructions for prep work and coating. 

[Cor]

I think that son exposure caused that.   I have a few of those reels that have spent many many hours in the son but none that look like that, so not so sure.

[akfish]

Try Penn Rod and Reel Cleaner. It often works.

[ourford]

I've heard that headlight lens clear coat works and lasts quite a while.

[Shellbelly]

I use Flitz on dull bakelite.  Never tried it on graphite.  Once the surface gets grainy, it's hard to restore.

[JasonGotaProblem]

Polish the surface with rubbing compound and a cotton wheel on a dremel. you'll be amazed the difference it makes. Then a bit of oil of your choice on top of that and you'll be golden.

(Do a test spot somewhere inconspicuous first, just in case)

[Brewcrafter]

I have not tried Penetrol yet, but I will say that I have used Cerakote and not only does it restore the black, once it dries it is not greasy and lasts.  Not inexpensive, comes with several pre-treated pads in individual packets.  Best thing I have ever found for automotive plastics. - john

[kevin cozens]

i was wondering on WD40 but as mentioned it feels horrid. i was thinking along the lines of plastic restorer such as back to black as used on cars. i will have to look what i got in the man cave. i also got some fine scratch remover cream as well that could possibly work

[Brewcrafter]

I will tell you that McGuire's and Mother's both make good products.  But over the years after several bottles of "Back to Black" and then using Cerakote....- john

[reelynew]

Polish the surface with rubbing compound and a cotton wheel on a dremel. you'll be amazed the difference it makes. Then a bit of oil of your choice on top of that and you'll be golden.

(Do a test spot somewhere inconspicuous first, just in case)

That is a great tip Jason.  I'm going to try that. 

[Bryan Young]

I use my reel grease and work it in and buff it out. It lasts for a while. I'll be trying ceramic coatings used for automotive finishes next. 

[Squidder Bidder]

I've used car wax on dull plastic and bakelite and it works ok.