Staining cork handles

[Lone Ranger]

Has anyone ever stained their cork handles to make it go a darker colour and to show up the lovely cork grain? Will it damage the cork? The cork will be washed on a regular basis as well. Reading other forums in America they use UB-40 cork sealer which is suppose to make it go a tone darker but there is no mention of it being available here.

If you have stained them, what did you use and any pictures would be appreciated.

Ta, LR

[turley]

I personally use bee's wax which is designed for staining furniture. Works an absolute charm, you don't loose that natural cork feel but helps stop the cork from getting dirty and bring out the natural colours of the cork! Haven't seen any bad effects from it yet!

[Penguin]

Cheapest and very effective way is to rub a white candle lightly over the cork surface and use a hair dryer to run the hot air over it slowly until the wax melts.Then rub down with your hand or a piece of cloth.It melts into your cork handle and give it a darker tan look .It water proofed your cork and protects it from fraying and fills up all the small gap/ holes.
I do it to all my cork handle rods and they are all in mint conditions after so many years of usage.

[Lone Ranger]

I want to darken the cork, not to protect it. Years ago I had this thing about protecting it and also used candle wax but it didn't darken the cork at all, just created a layer that in fact made it look even filthier than without the wax, in the end I sanded it off. Want a real stained browny colour if that is possible. Or maybe there is a different type of cork that rod builders can use maybe.

Turley, did the bee wax change the colour and made it a browny colour by any chance?

Looking for a new look for my new rod. Want a stained look with woody jarrah colours in mind from reel seats down through to the rod colour itself if there is such a thing. Hey Roland, can you get recoils down your way that is coloured in brown? PM .....

[pike bream]

LR yes you can stain your handles,
i stained one of my fly rod with wattyl estapol stain.
clear stain, it make the cork handles look darker
and it does protect it, i absolutly have no problem with the stain,
but the handles may feel different, but no performing affects.it just feels smoother, its stain not gloss, id say u can stain your rod with different darker colour , it wont affect,
but one thing , think first before go ahead cos i dunno how to get the stain off, its on forever, and make sure u choose the right colour
cheers ben ps. im gona stain my new rod too,

[Third_Cast]

I know I'd be way to scared to do anything to my grip, I'd probably stuff it up somehow.

[Hotrods]

got asked the same question by a client last year so i tried it...tested 2 standard wood stains on a length or cork, then went on to stain my 7' float rod with redwood and my 6' Stalker with walnut...after over 8 months of use i see no damage and only a light fading...feel is no different...be sure to leave the stain to have a good soak for a few mins before wiping it off to allow it to soak in..if you get any chips in the cork later it wont show up as the stain has penetrated the cork...

[SOL_LADY]

Hi Carol,

Another hobby of mine is collecting Antique Smoking Pipes.
I alway's use Canuba Wax on them.But it's really great on cork also

Gae.

[Shortlite]

Hey Carol.
If you can find sporting goods or gun store, there's a product called Birchwood Casey Tru Oil. I use this on all my grips, and it seals and darkens the cork to a beautiful shade. Shows the grain, quite well, especially on burl or composite cork.

It penetrates better than wood stains, and can be applied in multiple coats to get a natural dark look, a matte look, or even high gloss. Great thing is that is does NOT make the cork slick to the touch.

[Lone Ranger]

Thanks guys for the recommendation of products indeed. Hotrod, thanks for the pictures, that is exactly how I want mine in about 2 months time when I get my new rod. In the meantime, I will give it a test run on my old rods.

Many thanks!