just finished split grip. I used burnt and natural burl blocks. Question should i use a cork seal on the grip?



thanks

As always, your choice to do or not. It will create a bit of shine and highlight the grain of the burl, but it's not permanent and will have to be re-applied periodically, about once a year or so, depending on use. If you use baits that are messy, this can help in clean up of grips. It does leave the grip a little tackier than without finish. Some like this, some don't.

Let us know how it turns out.

terry

I have made quite a few rods recently with brown burl cork.

I put Birchwood Casey Gunstock Oil on all these grips. It builds up, and gives the cork a sheen. if you used the green or blue burl, it really brings out the color and contrasts of the different cork pieces in the ring.

It takes 6 or 7 coats to get the sheen I like.

Regards
Bert Nagy

Also - experiment and less coats gives maybe the shine you want and the feel

Also if it shines to bright hit it with a VERY FINE scotch pad lightly and it will dull out

Bill - willierods.com

Tru-Oil!!!! Really brings out the grain in Burl. I love it

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!!

I have used cork seal a lot and haven't found it to be tacky once it dries. It brings out the color nicely without giving an objectionable buildup. Lately I have been experimenting with ca glue on Burl cork and it looks awesome, but I haven't fished with it yet and I have to checkout the durability.

I have settled on 3 coats of Tru Oil and then I buff out with Birchwood Casey stock sheen and conditioner. It gives the grip more of a satin finish.