The best way that I have found to do it is to sand the entire area that you would like clear coated with light sand paper, tape off the eyelets and anything that you would not like to be shiny, and spray with clear rustoleum 2x ultra gloss spray paint. Haven't had any issues with it cracking either. But, I don't use these rods in extremely cold climates either. Not sure if that could change the results.
I snapped a couple of inches off the tip of one of my rods. I want to just reattach the guide but it's a bit too thick. If I do it evenly, can I sand it a tiny bit thinner, glue it back on then paint and seal? It's just fibreglass as far as I know and I don't want to wreck it! Cheers 🎣