I just turned my first set of grips from some mixed color cork rings. I did a search on the forum for cork sealer - finish topics. It seems that a lot of my fellow builders use or recommend B/C tru oil and/or B/C filler and sealer. I also understand that tru oil will darken the color of the cork. I was wondering if anyone has successfully used any other finishes that will just bring up the contrast of the cork without changing the color. Helmsman or Minwax products? Urethanes or varnish? Others? If so...what's your application technique?

Give me some ideas please!!

Rog

Many builders (me included) do not use any finish on cork grips. My impression is that the ones that do, many use tru oil. U40 cork sealer will give you the look you seek but it's not a forever finish, and needs to be reapplied every couple of years. Most all of the urethanes will add an amber tint and darken the cork. The only urethane products that will be clear are permagloss or lumaseal. You'll have to get feedback from others as I've not used these on cork, but know that they are clear on all other surfaces. The finish will be shiny, very uncork-like.

So, I have to ask, why are you looking to seal your cork grip?

Terry

Your best bet is to get some ( on sale ) grips and play with them
I have put thread finish on some and tend to like the golden color of it
But you will have to decide what you like and try several different products

try a search on ( coating cork ) or cork finishes ???

Bill - willierods.com

Terry

I would like to increase or brighten up the contrast between the dark and light cork colors. Just sanded the cork looks dull and lifeless. Something that would brighten up the cork without applying a finish would be great!

Rog

Either a thinned out finish or maybe permagloss which will be a harder finish

You will have to try different finishes to see what you like

I thin out even a light finsh It gives the cork a golden glow I like

Bill - willierods.com

Hi Roger,
I've used permagloss on a cork grip once to encase the grip as I'd used a wood stain on it to see how it would turn out. Turned out better than I expected and the feel of the grip was similar to U-40 cork sealer.
[www.rodbuilding.org]
I normally use U-40 sealer on cork as it stops the cork from getting that grey oxidised look, makes it easer to clean and I also like the look it gives.
You can't keep sanding cork grips to give them a new look or you enventually run out of cork.
Personally I think that grey oxidised appearance is off putting to a nice rod.

ESFNEM Col
Port Kembla, NSW
Australia

maybe a car wax ?? have not tried it ???

Bill - willierods.com

Tru Oil does accentuate the contrast of the various corks. In my experience I like what it does to the color of regular plain cork and really like what it does with the composite corks. One thin application and you still retain almost 100% of the plain cork feel.

Thanks guys. I glued up several short cork sections from leftover rings and now the testing / learning process will begin. I will post some info after trying several different products.

Rog



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 03/20/2013 06:02AM by Roger Templon.

I like the U40 cork sealer, it has a nice feel. It does darken natural cork considerably, and brings out the colours in burl cork.

I have used acrylic floor finish with good results. It will darken the cork a bit, but the colors do standout.

I use U-40 cork seal, and then run a couple of coats of paste wax like Johnson's floor wax on them. Brings out the grain and still feels like cork even when wet.

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

Thanks to all!

I now have several ideas to test.

Rog