What's the minimum length of time you let wraps dry before using a rod after you have applied the last coat of varnish on them? I'm using MOW varnish and this is an impregnated rod so won't be doing any overcoats. Will giving them a final coat of varnish/Japan Drier kick the set enough to significantly reduce the wait? I'm headed out on a fishing trip on the 12th and need to know whether this rod is going along.  (Larry Puckett)

I've fished 24 hour old varnish with no problem BUT, the varnish is really  just skin at that point. If you're varnishing today I would guess that it  shouldn't be a problem by the 12th.  (Mike Shay)

Wait and put your final coat on after you get back. take the rod fishing.   (Timothy Troester)

I’ve fished a two week old varnish job with no difficulties.  However, I used Minwax urethane spar.  It might dry quicker.  If you try to dent the varnish with your fingernail in an unobtrusive spot and there is very little to no indentation, you good to go.  (Al Baldauski)

The only problem I can see by doing this is if you use a line cleaner that contains silicone. Silicone isn't as bad as some might lead you to believe, but if you do have some on your rod and you try to varnish it you will get areas where the varnish will not stick. I find that a thorough wash with warm water and a degreasing dishwashing detergent like Dawn (brand name in the U.S.), will get silicone off completely.  (Darryl Hayashida)

Well, if you did them tonight and the rod is curing in a warm environment, they will be fine by the 12th. I just did a dipped rod with Valspar, and it was fished 5 days later. I DID cure it at 90 F.  (Jeff Schaeffer)