Hi,
I have a guy restoring an old South Bend rod for me. He said that is has been many years since he restored a glass rod. He can't seem to find the type of varnish that he used to use on glass rods. He described it as very thin and almost volatile, as opposed to the varnish he uses to build graphite rods. I told him that I would ask you guys what you were using for varnish on glass rods these days. Any help would be appreciated. I'm looking forward to finally getting to cast this rod as soon as it is finished. Thank you.
Bob

Some of the old favorites just aren't available anymore, I think because of various regs on chemicals relative to environmental and health concerns. My old favorite sure isn't, nor a comparable forumla. Nevertheless quality spar varnish that gives comparable results is available, and can be thinned according to the maker's recommendation, as in GlaciarRambler's example. viewtopic.php?f=6&t=11642&p=187173&hilit=Masury+Cosmo+Spar#p187173

I also rebuild old glass saltwater rods and we use this product now with good results. CPXtra is the name of it, good stuff. Very thin and easy to work with, clear finish. For woven glass grain it is thin enough to maintain the woven look if used in a thin coat.

https://voodoorods.com/products/cpxtra-rod-finish