Removing dark spots

[Palakona123]

I have a few rods from the late 10s to the late 30s that I’m restoring, and as with most rods of this age, storage conditions and time itself has caused the varnish to either craze or melt in some places. Where the cane has been exposed, it has taken on a darker hue, leaving dark spots all over the cane when refinished.

Would there be any way to remove these spots? Most of the rods are salmon rods, so sanding a bit won’t take away much of the total diameter, but I would preferably try to find another way, which could also be used on trout rods. All input is appreciated.



A refinished section from a 14’ 1938 Hardy «LRH salmon fly» Apart from these darkened spots, it’s 14’ of completely clean, blond cane. A torn in my side!

[henkverhaar]

Have you considered oxalic acid?

[Palakona123]

Have you considered oxalic acid?

I have used it on rust stains, but not on these spots as I belive that it only reacts with iron oxide. Shall give it a try, maybe it works.

[kenwey4534]

Oxalic acid is used as a wood bleach also. I would test it on a sacrifice strip first if I were you.

[Palakona123]

Worked quite well after a few applications. Turned out that the solution was right in front of me. Thanks for the tip!