I have never put a cork preserve or protector on my grips. I am considering it now What is your opinion and please name some good products that you have used thanks

I don't use it, but if you do, U-40 has an excellent reputation.

Roger

The only time I do is with burl or composit cork, then when I do it is either spar or true oil.

I use Birchwood Casey Tru Oil when I mix burl into the grips. It is a protectant, but it also makes the burl really pop (visually).

I use U-40 on my burl cork handles and it really pulls the grain in the cork out.

Steve Bro
(BroCo Custom Rods)

I use U-40 as well, but modify the application procedure a bit.

The instructions indicate that a second coat has no effect, but I find that it does.
I sand the grip down to 320 wet/dry and then apply a generous coat of Cork Sealer.
I sand again with 320 and apply a second coat, and then, when dry, do another VERY light sanding with 320 to create a bit of "nap".

This seals the cork very well but provides a little bit better "gription" for the hand.

Walt Natzke
Ripon, CA

I mostly use Tru-Oil (gunstock finish) makes the cork really pop besides protection (I use pretty much only burl corks)
u-40 sealer also does an excellent job

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!!



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 04/19/2011 10:13PM by Mike Barkley.

I used Johnson's paste wax for years, and then switched to the U-40 sealer. The U-40 seems to go deeper into the cork. I still do 2 coats of the paste wax after the U-40 dries. It gives some depth to the shine.

Mike Bradfrod
R.M.B. Fishing Rods
Nampa, Idaho

I use U-40 on cork, and wax on the blank. ;)

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

I sand down to 320 grit. Then I wipe the cork dust off.
Then one coat of U40. Let it dry.
Then I put on a coat of (don't laugh) chap stick.
After a day or so I wipe off the excess chap stick with a paper towel.

Jon

Instead of Tru Oil Gun finish, I have started using Icy-Hot. Two thin coats then I buff to a high gloss finish. Just recently I have been sanding down with 220 then 320 then 600. A quick splash of Brut, to keep that fishy smell away, and now I'm ready for grip decals. Simple as that, no fuss - no worry. Anyone ever try Vitalis?? Dad used it everyday!

LOL. I suppose the Icy-Hot provides relief to those aching hands when the fishing is hot!

Walt Natzke
Ripon, CA

I have used and like the yellowing look of cork when I thin finish to a watery state and put - after cleaning the cork WELL - on with a paper towel The thin state helps to soak in more and just one coat still gives it a nice color seals and nice feel.

Bill - willierods.com

I'm sorry...could you repeat the question? ;)

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

If you like an antique look meaning darkened and yellow tung oil works well and is easy to freshen up and repair. Try it first on a scrap to make sure you like the color change. I like it more on lessor cork grades than on clearer grades such as flor grade. Btw on lessor grades I don't use filler, I prefer a natural look. Being a woodworker I hate wood putty on anything unless it is to be painted over.