Hi all. I am quite new to rod building, for the life of me I have no idea why I didn't get into this a long time ago, it is a great hobby. Have just finished my first rod. Obviously a couple of things I will need to improve on for my next one but that is what it is all about (practice, do it, and learn from your mistakes)
My question for now is concerning Cork Seal. I see Mud Hole carries a product U40 Cork Seal is there anything else I can use that I could buy at my local (Home Depot/Lowes) as I am in Canada and the shipping costs can be a real burden when you only need one item. Appreciate any help on this one.

Martyn

some people like TruOil but that can be a bit hard to find.
some use just a paste wax.
I've also use a water based poly varnish by Minwax with good results. It should be available at your local Lowes/home Depot/Menards.

And remember, you don't have to use anything.

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Super Tight Lines......Don

exactly Don, I rarely use cork seal. about the only time ii do is if the customer really requests it or if I'm trying to give the grip an aged look for a restoration since it does darken the cork slightly.

Cork seal will not only darken the cork, but change the feel of it. I prefer the smooth sanded texture of natural cork. Wax of any kind will give a slick surface that I would avoid at all costs.

Something like Thompson Water Seal would give a similar result to Cork Seal, though not exact. It doesn't change the color of the cork much, but it does change the feel a bit. Less soft.

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I am in Canada too. When i needed it I was not able to find Truoil here. What i use is Tungoil finish from Lowes. I use it for wood reelseat inserts and but caps. I also used it for cork few times. Makes it harder and a bit darker. Unless that is what you want you dont really need any extra finish on the cork. If it gets dirty just clean it with mr.magic clean erasers. Or soapy water.

If you can test the cork seal on a few rings I would recommend that first to see if you like the feel. When I first started getting rods built and didn't know any better I thought it was standard practice to seal cork and ended up being very unhappy with the finished feel especially when wet. Now I just use better flor grade cork and can always do a light sanding if it gets really bad.

Thanks to all who replied. Don and Gary I have to agree with you I like the cork the way it is but was not sure how long it would stand up if it was not treated but I will find out as it is staying the way it is. I like the feel and the looks the way it is. Thanks again for your thoughts.

Martyn

Just buff it after you apply it and it won't feel slick like that when you fish it.

Just buff it after you apply it and it won't feel slick like that when you fish it.

It certainly isn't necessary. Personally I like the look and feel of cork after applying U-40. Isn't Rodbuilders Supplies located in BC? I wonder if you can order it through them for reasonable shipping?

Rodbuilder Supplies is in BC, and carries Cork Seal. Andy is great to work with. Cork Seal will darken the cork and increase the contrast between different types of cork.

If you are looking for Truoil, try Walmarts with a good sports section or your favourite gun store.

Chris Richer
Iroquois ON

I like U40 Cork Seal for certain applications. I've built a few bait rods for saltwater use on long range boats, and I'm pleased with the way the cork has held up under the rough treatment they usually get, even occasional rail use. Yes, it will not feel as soft, it will darken it just slightly, and the natural recesses in the cork will be accented, but it doesn't get slippery when working a fish and the appearance isn't unpleasant. Try it on an old piece of cork or a ring and see if you like it.

i watched a video recently, (can't remember the source) of a rod builder using white candle wax and heat to treat a cork handle. Anybody ever try it.