Hey guys, just wondering if any of you have give a coat of say varathane to the cork on a rod. Looking to keep some old rods outside to save space but don't want the cork to get ruined.
Any suggestions?
Thanks!

Tru Oil Gunstock finish is VARY popular for cork as is U-40 cork sealer available from most sponsors to the left

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!

Thanks, I will have to give one of those a try. Just wondering is there any cons to this (Im thinking it might make my hands sweat while holding the rod or ruin the feel of the cork)

Thanks again

Cork is pertty near waterproof on it's own. I wouldn't be too worried about it.

The sun may be a worse enemy.

Freddwhy (Rapt-Ryte)

Suspect you are right. They don't threat corks for wine and beer making, but they turn brittle if left in the light

This was posted on several other websites:

The best waterproof protection for cork is to seal the finished cork with 2 coats of Thompson Waterseal – X-tra waterproof. It is white when applied, but is absolutely transparent when dry and it only very slightly darkens the natural cork color. Best of all, the waterproof cork still has the natural cork feel.

Rena (I love Cork Handles and Grips - I only wish I could PINK cork )

Of course some of the coatings will work.
However, if you are simply storing the rods, why not put them inside a cover, box, or bag?
The thing that affects the cork is sunlight, and moisture. Keep them in a bag and the issues go away. Or cover them and the issues go away.

Take care
Roger

We use Trondak's Cork Seal, one or two coats. We also use marine spar varnish. And we've used Permagloss, although that's an expensive solution. We've used one or two coats, light sanding in between, and we've also built-up several coats until we got a clear finish, almost like a tabletop, but flexible. Depends on what the customer wants.

They all work.

We've also NOT done anything to our corks, except rinse them in clean freshwater, dried them with a paper towel, and let them air-dry. When they get grungy we scrub them with a paste made of Comet (kitchen cleaner) and water. Sometimes we use a soft toothbrush if the stuff is really thick.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

I agree with Russ
gOOD wRAPS bOB

I couldn't find any of the products you guys suggested at my local stores, but i did find a post about using acrylic gloss varnish and it looks like the perfect solution (although it slighyly ruins the feel of the cork).

Thanks for the help

Check outdoor/hunting stores for the TRU Oil. You may be able to find it in the outdoor section at your local Walmart as well.

Regards
Dave

Fishing is Life the rest is just Details

I use the U-40 cork sealer works great for me. Cork still keeps its color and is protected.

Aleks,

The cork sealer is a rodbuilding product by Trondak/U-40. Most vendors on the left sell it. The Birchwood-Casey Tru Oil is carried by most sporting goods stores that sells gun/hunting supplies. It's a gunstock finish.

Mike (Southgate, MI)
If I don't want to, I don't have to and nobody can make me (except my wife) cuz I'm RETIRED!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2007 03:55PM by Mike Barkley.

If you love near a shoe store that sells expensive shoes, try there, they should have a product for sealing cork soled shoes.
john