I picked up the Citristrip, 0000 steel wool, and Minwax spray Spar varnish. I will start the stripping process tomorrow. Thinking of size A Gudebrod untreated nylon green thread for main wraps with red trim wraps, and Flex Coat finish. I like the translucent appearance of the untreated thread.
Update: The Citristrip worked like butter!! I took a contractor trash bag and cut it down each side to make a long length that was placed over two sections of PVC pipe, creating a trough. Multiple layers of painter's tape covered the factory label. Citristrip was sprayed on and allowed to soak. An hour later, the factory finish wiped off like butter! I cleaned the rod with 200 proof ETOH and am ready to apply a new finish tomorrow. Cleaned blank photo below:

