I finally got around to turning my first handle (fore grip actually) out of cork rings (exotic burl) and now the enevitable question is should I apply finish or not ?

If so, what type, urethane, tung oil, etc.

I realize that the answer may be largely personal preference, but I don't have any experience to base the decision on. None of the cork handles on my bass equipment (freshwater rods) have any type of finish applied.



This is a light saltwater plugging rod (RS !267), I'd like to protect the cork grip with a finish, but not at the expense of making it slick to use and hold onto.



Any recopmmendations/insights appreciated.

Thanks, Mark

Birchwood Casey Tru-Oil, minimum of two coats for protection and sealing, 5-6 coats produces a nice gloss finish which repels water and I have not found to be slick when wet. I have rods that are five years old, soap an water wash down once a year, look as good as new and have never had any cork filler fall out.

Ray Zarychta
Glastonbury, CT

I like U40's Cork Seal. It does a very good job of protecting cork from the saltwater, but doesn't change the texture/color much at all.

i have used spar urethane for a wood like look. it does not get slick, at least in my hands.

Mark:
I have used Diamondite on a salt water rod, butt and fore girps, I built last summer and have fished it all fall and most of the winter ( a little colder to hold on really cold days , but I live in florida and it is not too bad ) . It has Andy's burl cork . I like it. It is not slick, it has held up well to use and cleans up with soap & water. I will do this again for my rods. I like how the burl pops out with the clear finish.
I guess it did add a little weight --- but not as much to really tell a difference, everything balanced out just fine for me .
Tight Lines
Bill Rice

I use Tru Oil but lately have also been using diamondite on Burl and wood grips.

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!!

My favorite is U-40 Cork seal. Bought some at the Show now I wouldn't be without it. I have used Tru-Oil but I like Cork Seal better. It doesn't shine much , just high lights everything. Especially nice on Burl cork.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

Tru Oil really makes the grain in burl cork pop.I've also used U40 Cork Seal,and it looks OK,but Tru Oil looks much nicer IMHO.

You can add a coat or two of it and have kind of a satin or semi gloss finish,or you can add several more coats and create a much darker glossy finish.Both look great.

One flood coat of U-40 Cork Seal to set up a base. Then spar varnish, or Tru Oil.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods

One flood coat of U-40 Cork Seal to set up a base. Then spar varnish, or Tru Oil.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods