im re-building a couple of sentimental old rods i came accross whilst clearing out the loft. ive completely stripped them bare and would like to know what the best stuff would be to recoat the blanks. (is yatch varnish ok?) do i coat them before or after whipping the rings on etc ? any advice?

varnish afterwards.
unless you're really patient unlike me then avoid the multi layer type varnishes - i'd rec'd getting someone who can do a proper job on them - mine look a bit naff coz i rushed the finish!

You don,t say what the rods are made of or if when stripping them back you have removed any colour finish that was on them.If you need to apply a colour to the blank then use a good quality matt finish car spray paint.then apply two coats of any FLEXIBLE polyurathane clear varnish.when completely dry whip on your rings.Then the boring bit,you need to varnish the whippings at least 8-10 times i usually go for 12coats.In the summer i would apply a coat before work (5.30am)then again when i got home at 2.00pm and again at 8.oopm.This time of year the drying time is increased so you will only get two coats a day on.Ensure the varnish is completely dry between coats and use a really soft brush to brush out any air bubbles.When you have the whipping looking how you like it then apply two more coats to the entire rod tip to butt.Take your time and you will get a really good finish stronger then factory finish and every bit as pleasing on the eye.Alternatively if you like big bulbus finishes on your whippings you can buy a gooey thick varnish called high build but this is not as strong and is prone to cracking if not perfectly applied.Hope this is of help to you.

You don't necessarily have to coat them first, but it's best to if your gonna do a proper job (Devonian, don't you mean Dope them first ?) anyway, pretty much what Devonian explained will do the trick but here are a few tips, brush selection is essential, don't skimp, get yourself a couple of decent brushes from a hobby shop, nice and soft, also while your in there, get yourself some Humbrol dope and clear varnish and a spirit cleaner, start by doping the blanks a couple of times, whip on the eyes and dope the whipping (Again 2 coats should suffice), once dry, start applying the varnish in coats (Don't try and put too much on at one time, building up thinner coats will give a superior finish) and get yourself the finest grade wire wool, because during the drying time, dust may settle on the blank, if this happens just give the blank a light rub over with the wire wool before applying the next coat.

Oh, and lastly, don't shake the tins of dope and varnish before you use them, otherwise you will brush small bubbles on the blank, just give them a light stir.

Hope this helps

thanks for that lads, im gonna give it a whirl and hopefuly i wont bugger it up!

Zombie

Do not dope the blanks (Been a while since I rebuilt a rod) only dope coat the whipping.