Does anyone in the DFW have a way to preserve a Sharpie signature on a Rod? I am giving it to my dad as a present, but want to preserve Gary Klein's autograph first so that it will not fade or rub off over time. I think PROKOTE would do it, but need a spinning rod holder because it is self-leveling. Any rods builders around that could help me out please?

This should work; apply color preserver over the signature; I use Flex coat brand available from Barlow's (you can also use Elmer's glue watered down to a milk like thickness). This should protect the signature from solvents in the finish . Apply the finish (I use Flex-coat but Prokote should work) over the area, then use a hair dryer on hi to blow all of the excess finish from the rod. At this point you should be able to manually turn the rod 180 deg every 5 -10 minutes, after 30 min you start lengthening the time between turns. The hair dryer should have removed enough finish that it won't sag.
A card board box with V notches in the sides works great as rod a holder while you are turning the rod and will keep the excess finish from blowing everywhere.
Try this on a rod you don't care about with your own signature first.
If you have any questions send me a PM.
Let me know how it worked.

I will PM you tomorrow for more details. Really want this done right so that the signature lasts forever...if possible. It will be a forever reminder for the trip I have scheduled with Gary and dad in late November.

I would think a couple of coats of clear coat lacquer would work. But you would want to test it first.

Devcon two ton 30 minute epoxy. It is what I and most other tackle makers use to clear coat crank baits. You can't beat the durable, high gloss finish.

Anything with acetone will streak the sharpie. Are they acetone free?

D2T epoxy will not streak sharpie markings.

If you could get it to me I would prokote it for you...I have a rod dryer

DAN-O,

I've done this twice, once myself and I used an automotive clear coat. The second time my firend that cusim paints crankbaits did it for me using the D2T Epoxy. Both ways, the most important thing was testing/practicing and using the shoe box with "V" notches cut in the ends to hold and spin the rod while coating/drying.

Good luck.

Thoughts on using clear shrink wrap?

Perma gloss might be an option......or lumiseal

Decided to go with the D2T recommended above. It worked great. No Sharpie smears and hopefullt preserved now forever. Thanks for all recommendations.