putting an extension on a cork handle, the 2 pieces I want to add are almost white compared to the natural shade . Is there a way to shade the lighter ones ? Thanks

Bill I have had some success with the Minwax stains in changing the color of cork rings. One thing though, you need to have your handle shaped and sanded prior to staining. The stain does not penetrate very deep and any sanding or shaping done afterwards wil remove the color.

Regards......Doug@
TCRds

Sometimes when you sand cork, teh inside color is different from teh outside. I think some rings are bleached so they look clear I dunno, I do know I've done what you have done, and my cork didn't match teh cork on teh rod, or the rod has been used and the cork was dirty & dark. I glued it up, sanded, "LIGHTLY" sanded with 320 teh entire grip - and you really couldn't tell any difference at all.

Bill

You could just leave it. The cork in actaul usage will very quicky asume the same discoloration of the old stuff. Depends I guess on whether it's a rod for you or someone else. I would probably still do nothing myself if it was for a customer and explain that pretty derned soon the corks are going to look identical.

Mike O.

Bill:

I don't know whether or not your customer would have issues with getting the smell on his hands, but good old fashioned Clorox will clean the dark crap off of cork and make it look almost brand new. Just wet a rag with it and rub it a bit and watch the black go away.

Bill, using the soap you clean your hands with to build rods, work up a lather on you're hands and soap the grip up. Then with an extra-fine piece of Scotch-brite lightly scrub the cork. Rinse it very well and set it aside to dry. This works better sometimes than others, but there is always some improvement. Then maybe 400 grit (sorry, I don't like 320 grit for grips) paper and finish with 600. I do this, at least the soap & Scotch-brite part to all my repairs on rods with cork grips. I also clean the rod with 91% clear rubbing alcohol and a small white cotton handkerchief, my rodbuilding shop rag. Ralph