I was thinking of how to seal cork, and it acered to me I have some Thompson's water seal. Has anyone tried this approach? How did it work? Other suggestions welcomed.

I'd rather be catching!

That will work. U-4o also has a specific cork sealer product that is avaiable from the sponsors on the left. I like the look of Tru Oil on cork, especially burl

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!!

U40 works well ... it gets my vote for the simplest, cleanest and least expensive way to protect cork.
Tru-Oil will also protect AND as Mike pointed out, it adds depth and accent. Cork with pits looks great with this stuff.
Another handy product was introduced to me by JP Timberlake - Petri Wipe-On Polyurethane. A few coats will last a lifetime and it is easy to apply.

"Looks", "Durability" and "Feel" when fishing when wet and slimy" are important issues.

The preference is chosen by the user of the rod.

My test of True Oil lasted for about a year - no one ever ordered a second rod.

My priority is to keep the filler in cork in place without changing the "feel" significantly.

This is getting more important as available cork contains more filler.

I estimate the rods, bass and inshore, going out my door with cork split grips are divided:

1. Natural - 35+%

2. U-40 - 60+%

3. Flocked 5-%

I've used both Thompson's and U-40 and I prefer the U-40.

U-40 here. I like the look of Tru Oil as well, but U-40 is just easier for me.

_________________________________________
"Angling is extremely time consuming.
That's sort of the whole point." - Thomas McGuane

Tru-oil for me, after six years on my personal rods, a light sanding and a couple of more coats and they are good as new. Contrary to how they look, they are NOT slippery when wet, just the opposite, water beads up and wipes off easily, no soaking wet cork. I've got one rod out for "field testing" where the cork was done with thread epoxy. Customer can't complain, my son-in-law and the rod was a "free" birthday present.

U-40 Cork Seal for me. Never had a problem or complaint.

Thanks guys you r a big help.

I'd rather be catching!