Sealing cork handles on rods

[Matt Ireland]

Hi All

I was wondering if anyone could suggest what I could use to seal the cork grips. I was told johnsons floor wax is good but I was wondering if any one here has used anything to protect cork handles.

Thanks
Matt

[Big Muddie]

Hi Matt.

I asked this question in other places and the replies have consistently been - just use the rod.

The natural oils frm your skin eventually seal the cork grips for you. I simply clean them with warm soapy water after each use and dry them. About the only other stuff that gets on them is some Inox overspray.

[madaff]

Matt if all you want to do is keep it looking good all you need do is run over the cork with some 1100 grit sand paper. This will return the cork to new condition. If the cork develops pits, (which is only everdent in cheap grade cork) find yourself some cork cut off and sand it down to powder. Take the sanded powder and mix it with some wood glue and fill the gaps. Once dry you can scuf it back and it will be as good as new. Once apon a time some anglers used to epoxy their cork grips, which does look nice but can dampen the rod by adding extra weight. This is can effect high modulas graphite rods.


Rob M

[Dave W]

Originally posted by Big Muddie
Hi Matt.

I asked this question in other places and the replies have consistently been - just use the rod.

The natural oils frm your skin eventually seal the cork grips for you. I simply clean them with warm soapy water after each use and dry them. About the only other stuff that gets on them is some Inox overspray.

This is exactly what I do:D, you'd be surprised how quickly a cork handle gets a natural 'sheen' from the oils in your hands on a well used rod... sounds a bit kinky really:D

[Strewth]

Beeswax is quite good for sealing cork grips. Another option is to rub the cork with a soft white candle and then melt the residue using a hairdryer. Both coatings but will go soft if left to bake in the sun in summer. To clean cork grips, I use Ajax cream cleanser.

Cheers

Strewth

[Stuie_02]

Hi matt

i would take madaf advice. if you start rubbing waxes on so on into your cork grips the cork will not absorb much of the wax i wouldnt go that way.

like Madaf said just light sand back, get some old cork sandings (dust)
i personally would used a wood putty of similar colour, wood glue is cool (clear finishes).

Poor quality cork is full of pits and rough stuff so it isnt as nice on the grips. have a look at the grips before purchasing.

Cheers
Stuie

[LakeConjolaFish]

Hi,

I'm the odd one out here all my rods have been customized with addition of fine grade cork butts and all of them have been given two coats of marine varnish.

I have found the opposite to popular opinion that the varnish would be slippery. The cork looks great, stays clean and bright and adds that touch of pride that I put those cork grips on.

I always keep a towel in the boat as well and always wash fish slime off and dry my hands.


Jim

[Stuie_02]

Hi Jim

i agree on the towel to wip e the handles clean nothing like a handle that smells like rancid prawns Yuk.

I have used mainly fly rods which has the grip untreated in any fashion. they usually get grubby with age and

Interesting with the marine varnish doesnt change the finish the colour ?? the grip ?

Cheers
Stuie

[LakeConjolaFish]

G'Day Stuie,

No it doesn't change the colour it just gives it that wet look.

I have always varnished my handles whilst new, though I have rubbed back a few second hand ones with fine grade sandpaper and they come up pretty good.

I have 4 nigger rods of my Dads that are 40 years old and where made by a top gun rod builder and all his rods left his place with the cork varnished.

I personally hate hypalon grips and will have them of a rod with in a day or two of owning it, every rod that I have ever rolled myself was dressed in cork at conception;)


Jim.

hey guys.
I used a soft white candle to wax my handle. It really did make a difference. The handle did absorb the wax and the feel of the handle is much better. I think a light sanding on the unwaxed grips is just as good, it's up to your personal preference.
Try waxing and if you dont like it, dont do it againg as after a while it wears away, or you can just sand it.

Dave

[Matt Ireland]

I just used some stuff my mum had, it was called "johnsons durosil floor wax" and was recommended for cork floors, seems to do the job fine!

Matt

[LakeConjolaFish]

Kingpin,


"I used a soft white candle to wax my handle" sounds lke a rude song mate!!!! lol:D


Jim

[Stuie_02]

Hi jim

I have using bait rod for a while ever since i picked up a fly rod i cant go back to regular 'hypa (sticky) lon'. Does the cork absoreb thevarnish or tries to repel the varnish?

If the cork is absorbing the varnish it should be going slightly harder and abit more rugged (good thing).

Cheers
Stuie

Ps Once you go cork you never go back.

[Stuie_02]

hey Matt

does it shine?:D :D :D

Cheers
Stuie

[LakeConjolaFish]

Raw cork definately does not repel varnish, just do a dab some where incognito on your cork to make sure it hasn't been waxed.

If the rod was bought retail of the racks, cork grips usually are shrink wrapped plastic to protect from dirty mugs mitts all over 'em:p

If there shrink wrapped its almost 100% that there unadulterated.

Jim

HEHEHE
It's all that EMINEM thats always on the radio and Channel V.

Dave

[Stuie_02]

Hey Jim

i will give the varnishing ago. does it keep the original colour does it taint it. only problem i have faced is over the years thoes nice cork grip get damaged, dented and cops some ordinary smells.

Will the varnish keep alot of these out?

Do you use a specific varnish?

cheers
Stuie

[LakeConjolaFish]

I use Feast Watson marine spar varnish.
The varnish will be impervious to all smells, stains etc.

The varnish does strengthen the cork and you can sand it completely off if you want and redo the grips.

What ever the condition is of the cork when you apply the varnish, thats what the cork will remain like.

The varnish that I mentioned is UV resistant and resists yellowing, but any Spar varnish would be up to the job.

Probably the cheapest way would be to buy some speed finish from your local tackle shop. It comes in a small bottle for about $3-00 or so and its a very good varnish and there should be enough to give two rod grips two coats.


Hope that gives you some pointers.

Jim