What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

You got 'em, we know how to clean 'em
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Richard Lodge
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What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Richard Lodge »

I just picked up this JVH reel and the finish seems to have been "gold" washed or something. It's not the brass showing under the plating. It's something on top of the original finish, I think. I'm sure this topic has been addressed before on this forum but I wanted to put these photos out there for opinions about 1) what the heck is this finish or coating and 2) can I remove it without destroying the reel?
Thanks, all.
Richard

Image

And the back:

Image
oc1
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by oc1 »

Looks like some sort of varnish or lacquer. I would try naphtha first, then acetone.
-steve
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john elder
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by john elder »

+1

try a small spot and see what you get.
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Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Richard Lodge
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Richard Lodge »

+1?
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john elder
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by john elder »

chat board for "I agree"....c'mon, Richard! You are almost a Millenial! :D
ORCA member since 1999
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Specializing in saltwater reels...and fly reels...and oh, yeah, kentucky style reels.....and those tiny little RP reels.....oh, heck...i collect fishing reels!...and fly rods....and lures
Don Champion
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Don Champion »

I would try paint remover - after removing all hard rubber & plastic parts. It won't hurt the metal.
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sdlehr
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by sdlehr »

It's not oil?
Sid Lehr
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Paul M
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Paul M »

I once bought an old fly reel covered in lacquer. The color looked similar but on mine the lacquer had broken down into flakes, so it was a bit more obvious as to what it was. I recall that was easy to remove as a consequence of the standard cleaning/polishing process for old metal reels.

The thing that bothers me about the subject reel is the color of the clicker switch footprint. It makes me think that the reel is brass with a nickel wash.
Paul M
Last edited by Paul M on Sun Jun 18, 2017 10:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Richard Lodge
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Richard Lodge »

John - Millennial? I know a few. That +1 thing must be a Left Coast-ism.

:roll:
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Midway Tommy D
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by Midway Tommy D »

Richard Lodge wrote:John - Millennial? I know a few. That +1 thing must be a Left Coast-ism.

:roll:
Nah, they've been using it in Nebraska for a few years now. :wink: Even most of us old "Boomers" finally figured that one out. :lol:

Now, with regards to the reel yellowing, it looks to me like someone decided to try a little clear-coat with lacquer. If it were mine, I'd remove the handle and wipe it with a lacquer thinner rag. If it's lacquer it will come right off with no harm to the metal. Keep it away from any plastic, though. Acetone might do it, too, but it will take a lot longer. Then I'd proceed accordingly on the rest of the reel.
Love those Open Face Spinning Reels! (Especially ABU & ABU/Zebco)

Tom DeLong, NE
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by tholmes »

It kind of looks like someone sprayed WD-40 on it and left it set for a few years. Naphtha or acetone should remove it.

Tom
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54bullseye
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by 54bullseye »

Looks like some one cleaned it on a brass wire wheel. I have gotten that same look using a brass wire brush. John Taylor
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Re: What's on this reel and how do I remove it?

Post by JoeW »

What happened? I've seen that, too. Follow-up please. Best---- Joe Walkowski
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