I'm curious.. does the U40 cork sealer soak in and retain the matt type finish cork has or, does it make it all glossy like the rods of yesteryear?

Not keen on glossy....

Thanks
Chris

One coat is all that is needed and recommended. A single coat applied, turned for a few minutes and wiped off will NOT leave a shiny surface at all - just barely a matte finish and just barely a darkening of the cork. It is GREAT stuff and I put it on every rod I build here in Sunny Salty Florida ... grips last longer due to it. My clients love the stuff and at least half specifically ask for it on future orders.

It will give the cork a satin glossy look.
Joe Kassuba

I agree with Jim - it gives a mostly matte finish and slight darkening. I love the stuff. Just don't put too much on and walk away.

How do you find the grip to be when it is wet? Does the sealer help or hurt the grip?

Even the latest trend, the composite grips, are NOT slick when wet. Shape and diameter IMO have significantly more to do with grip than whether the surface is smooth or not.

To specifically answer the question ... U40 Cork Seal does NOT make the grip any less desirable. To date not one single client has asked me not to seal the cork, first time around or for repeat purchases - it is a Blue Ribbon product IMO.

Gotta agree wholeheartedly with all said about U40's Cork Sealer. I can put it on, wipe it off and get a matte surface or put it on a bit thicker, just so it doesn't run, and not wipe it off and get a fairly good gloss (matte gloss or semi gloss) to the cork. Either way, it doesn't seem to be at all slippery in many years of using it. And also agree that grip shape/diameter/fit have much more to do with how it stays in the hand when being used.

U40 has a great product here and I'm really happy with it on cork and burl cork. Wonderful stuff.

Putter
Williston, ND

Sounds good. I was just unsure whether it gave a glossy finish irrespective of how it was applied. I have some older cork grips which look as though they have been expoxied!! I didn't like this look and feel.

I will get a tub and seal away....

Thanks guys. Informative as per usual.

Cheers
Chris

Do you think it improves the grips of used rods?

I have used bees wax in the past and it definitely improves the grip. After a while in the salt water, my hands dry out and the cork becomes very slippery without the wax. I bought a custom rod with an untreated cork grip and I nearly threw it overboard whilst casting due to the ultra smooth untreated grip and my dry hands. I find water helps the grip rather than hinders it.. it is the drying out of my hands which causes a problem.

I use preformed cork sections only and do not think I have ever seen any "premium or fluor cork". All the cork I use has "filler" in the voids. Cork Seal when applied as per the instructions will not effect the "feel" of the cork and does not change the appearance where most fishermen will ever notice. The major reason that I use the product is to keep the added cork "filler" in place for an extended period of time. The grip will last in its original condition for a longer period of time. Grips are easier to keep clean without all the empty voids in the cork filled with fish slime. One coat of Cork Seal produces a very nice grip surface that is very near to the feel of the virgin cork substrate.

I'm hooked on U-40's cork seal also. Maybe it's just me, but I think it also, if only slightly, enhances inlayed colored-burl rings such as checkers!

I have some coming today. to get the effect without shine, how long shoul I let it sit? Jim said a few minutes.... like 3-4? or ? Thanks!

-Steve

Tampa, FL

I apply the stuff with my finger - the instructions say use a stiff bristled epoxy brush - the idea is to insure that it gets in all the little areas of porosity. I dries quickly - it can be handled in an hour under most conditions. One coat no more unless you sand first.

Just so you get the idea, here are the directions for use:
"Apply to entire cork surface with bristle brush. Brush out excess that wioll not soak in. Do not allow to sag,streakmor run.
Apply one coat only. Second coat will not penetrate.
Clean brush immediately in running tap water."

Pretty simple stuff and it works just as directed.