I have never used sealer before, but someone suggested it for saltwater rods?

I don't know that it is "required" but it surely isn't a bad idea. I build inshore rods with cork and ALWAYS apply a coat of U40's Cork Seal. I believe it adds a protective layer to help keep the "cork" from coming apart as quickly.

Unfortunately, today's cork has too much filler - the epoxy in that filler is easily damaged by saltwater ... that leaves you with a really crappy looking grip with pits all over it. So ... I slow the process by putting that coating on it.

You will still find yourself "reconditioning" cork grips that are used extensively in saltwater. Just a fact of life.

Is there a home-made alternative to the U40? I need to seend my rod out tommorrow. Thanks.

I I agree with Jim! Salt water is vary abrasive, just like sand paper. As for a alternative. Try a Lite coat of tru oil, gun stock oil or maybe a urethane finish

Some Wal-Mart stores carry Tru-Oil ... Bass Pro carries it too. Most gun shops will have it - although at a higher price. It is primarily marketed for the conditioning of gun stocks. It is a blend of various natural oils, it will do the job nicely. It will darken the cork a bit ... 2-3 very light coats will achieve what you are looking for in protection.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 06/11/2007 08:03PM by Jim Gamble.

Thanks, great advice as usual.

Futures floor wax applied with a paper towel.... don't laugh, it works

-jb

In past years I have used Johnson's hard wood flor wax. I took a old nylon (wife's) and burnished it in at a high speed.
Good Wraps Bob

Simple white spar varnish, from any hardware or marine supply store. Relatively inexpensive for the amount you get on a per-ounce basis, takes about 3 or 4 coats to get a gloss finish on the average 7"-9" grip. Or just one or two for a "sealer" finish.

We use Trondak's Cork Seal if we're doing one coat as a basic protectant. We use spar varnish or Cork Seal if we want a gloss finish - the result is a bit different between the two products.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

One coat of spar looks great so far. I cant decide if i'll put another coat on. I dont want to gloss it up, just protect. Thanks

I put 2 or 3 light coats of spar urethane on all my cork handles using a coffee filter. If you don't want a glossy finish after the final coat dries rub it lightly with super fine ,0000, steel wool and the shine will go away.

Bob Crook
La Pine, Oregon

What one has to temember, is cork is vary dense and no matter what product you use. You get vary little penitration. In reallity it is just covering the surface
Good Wraps Bob