I was once told that there is a "home brew" sealer for cork grips. I know there are per-make products out there but does anyone the what the home make stuff is and which is better?

Thompson's Water Seal is about the only thing I can think of. Personally, I don't put anything on my cork grips.

.................

I've used Thompson's and haven't had any problems yet.

That's funny, I have seen there commercials and was wondering about the stuff. made for out door use.

Bill - willierods.com

I use U-40 Cork Sealer. It helps keep the cork clean. Thompson's Water Seal also works.

If you want to see what the cork will look like when the sealer is applied, just wet it:. That's how it will look (minus the wet-look shine).



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/19/2009 02:39PM by Gary Henderson.

I use miniwax golden pecan or colonial maple stain. I put it on the cork and then sand the cork dry with 300, then 500, then 600 sandpaper., turning the cork on a cork lathe The sanding creates a sludge that penetrates the holes and imperfections in the cork. I let that dry, then hand rub a coat of true-oil into the cork, which seals the cork and keeps the stain from coming off in your hand. The result is a much better looking piece of cork; I wouldn't do this if the cork is good, but I can't afford good cork any more. The grip is not slick, even when wet; has a nice feel and looks good, but i understand some people hate it-p-

Hi Gene

Do you have any photo's of such a grip you did? Would love to see what it came out like. Sounds like an option.

I use U-40 most of the time, but have also made my own mixture using different polymer sealers...works the same as U-40. Playing around with the concentration, results in a grip that comes out more shiney, or more dull, depending on what look I am going for. Also never slippery when wet...and it prevents the pits from falling out, and keeps the cork in better shape over the years.

Mike

gene bethea Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> I use miniwax golden pecan or colonial maple
> stain. I put it on the cork and then sand the
> cork dry with 300, then 500, then 600 sandpaper.,
> turning the cork on a cork lathe The sanding
> creates a sludge that penetrates the holes and
> imperfections in the cork. I let that dry, then
> hand rub a coat of true-oil into the cork, which
> seals the cork and keeps the stain from coming off
> in your hand. The result is a much better looking
> piece of cork; I wouldn't do this if the cork is
> good, but I can't afford good cork any more. The
> grip is not slick, even when wet; has a nice feel
> and looks good, but i understand some people hate
> it-p-

here's one with golden pecan;

colonial maple:



I just dont make very good pics, but maybe you get the idea-p-

here's one I'm staining today with golden pecan; its an old shakespeare from the 60's; cork was broken; just wanted to make it fisheable


The cork was in terrible shape; but after sanding, applying the stain and the true-oil, it will last a little longer-p-



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 09/20/2009 02:54PM by gene bethea.

Mark Fisher put me on to Tru-Oil. Great stuff. You will find it at your local gunsmith ... or the supermarket if you live in Texas ;o)