Hello, All:
First time poster here but have followed the forum for a while. I am not an expert rodbuilder by any means, but have built probably 20 rods in the past few years. I have a question about sealing cork grips. Is there a product or process available to apply on new cork handles that will give some protection from dirt / fish slime / grime over time? Thanks in advance for any help!

Trondak cork seal.

Trondak U-40 has a cork sealer. Most of the vendors on the left carry it. I used it, good results.

While perhaps not quite as ideal as the Trondak product, which is highly respected, Thompson's Water Seal will do a decent job and not change the color of the cork.

...................

I have been using Birchwood - Casey True-oil gunstock finish and really like it. You can coat it once or if you want a light sheen - as many times as you like.

Jon Hood

Birchwood Casey make a sealer and a oil. The oil is gunstock oil which is fine but it will darken the cork just a bit, and the more coats you put on the thicker the oil and slicker the grip will get. I found my customers don't like a slick grip. The sealer will protect the cork and it will change the color just a tad but not as dark as the oil. I find that 2 coats of the sealer works great and it does not make for a slick grip either. Since I custom turn all my grips I have found my customers like the "patina" look of the sealer.

Dave
East Bay Custom Fly Rods

Thanks for the help!