On a different thread, there were some mention of permagloss over cork grips.

Wondering:
1. Why? Especially compared to the more traditional material used to cover cork.
2. What's the effect of permaglss over cork grip? Won't it be too hard and slick?
3. How many layers?
4. Do you buff the cork as smooth as possible first or is it OK to leave a rougher texture?

Wow...that's a bunch of questions.

Thanks,
Mo

Mo as interested as you are in the lightness of a rod I'm supprised you would even ask

Mo,

I use it mostly as a "sealer" to seal the cork from dirt and grime. I apply ONE coat with a piece of a coffee filter, let sit about 10 seconds or LESS and wipe dry with the rest of the coffee filter. This creates a nice smooth velvet like feel to the grip and seals them-they are NOT slick at all!

It adds life and color to the cork as well, making it a little darker and "rich" looking. It also seems to help keep the cork filler in the grip longer or even permantly.

Steve,

There is hardly any added weight at all, if any.

DR;
Based on your info I agree!

When you say with a coffee filter, do you just use that like an applicator? Much like you would a rag when applying stain to a piece of wood?

Absolutely Alex!

I just rub it in, and then lightly rub it off....very nice look to it, it dries super fast and you're ready to install the grips onto the rod in minutes. After all, you dried off all the excess PG already.

We've used three approaches to this.

1) Spar varnish
2) Permagloss
3) U-40 Cork Seal

Duane's techniques yield a "soft" finish. Going further and applying two to four coats of the materials (depending on how the density of the cork accepts the finish) will give you a clear "semi-gloss" finish that will be relatively soft to the touch and will look like a poly finish on a table top. It's just a different look (and protective finish) and some customers like it. It;s not slick.

I hope this isn't poilitcally incorrect or offensive, but we work all our cork to the smoothness of a baby's butt, whether we coat the grips or not. We just feel that's a finishing touch that would be expected on a custom rod.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

Thanks. When I ask that, I envisioned a finish like those on PG threadless wrap - hard, tought, shiny, slick. Apparently not. I've got to try it.

Thanks!!
Mo

You can also thin epoxy to a watery state and us it. I glue my handles on, then with 1/4" masking tape mask the reel seat and or front the blank.

Tight lines
Willie Rods



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/21/2007 09:30AM by bill boettcher.

Bill,

Thats interesting.....what is your solivent used and what are your drying times?

DR

Pure Tung Oil works real well too. The more coats the more of a satin sheen. Rub out with coffee filters and let dry thoroughly.

DR
I use a lacquer thinner Medium Temp. In a warm room it is almost touchable in about 4-5 hours. I do let it sit over night.

Thanks Bill.

DR