Never used cork before. Just sanded down some cork grips. Do they need sealer on them?

No. In fact, 99.9% of all the cork grips ever produced and used on fishing rods have never had anything put on them. They're bare, naked, and work just fine as is.

However, some folks like to use some type of sealer in order to make them easier to clean and/or to enhance the look/feel of them.

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Many of the fishing rods built have a filler material that is used to fill the pores and other voids in the surface of the cork. The number of holes and voids can detract from the appearance of a new rod that a potential customer is evaluating. Many girps are "mudded" with a filler material to enhance the visual appeal. If you notice many production builders cover a large area of the cork section shrink wrap and label. This is done to prevent a potential customer from seeing a large area of poor quality cork surface. If you have a rod or are building a rod that uses a filler material in the cork grip the use of Cork Seal by Trondak can aid in keeping the filler in the voids for a longer period of time. The sealing of grip surfaces to lock in the filler can be considered a sanitary enhancement when contacted by fish slime. There are organisms in the water in salt water marshes in the Gulf of Mexico that cause a serious health risk - It may be the best thing to fish with a grip that can easily be rinsed clean.

Take a look at the first two pictures on the left of this photo.

If you want the appearance of the left side to last longer apply Cork Seal without cleaning surface. If your goal is to build the lightest fishing rod possible do not use filled cork or sealer.

[www.rodbuilding.org]

Bees wax can be good as a selaer, preserver and the give a nice appearance. It is also easy to re-apply it every few seasons or so. Personally, I love the feel and look.

You may want to do a bit of trial and error and see which method you like.

We use the Trondak Cork Seal to prevent some of the effects of saltwater on our cork grips, provided the customer wants it. It tends to turn the lighter cork a bit "golden" or darker in color, which has nothing to do with the particular kind fo cork or the sealer either.

Once we've put a good coat on and let it dry, we sand the grips with 600grit, and then finish with 1200grit. The Cork Seal penetrates into the cork, so it's not all on the surface. The sanding refinishes to surface layer to a smooth and soft cork feel and lightens the color a bit.

No, you don't need it. It's a value-added touch for a custom rod.

Uncle Russ
Calico Creek Rods