Hey guys,

I have a couple spinning rods and fly rods that have the cork handles/grips. Does anyone have any suggestions as to something to put on them to prevent them from getting that dried out kinda look? Basiclly I want to keep them looking as new as possible. any comments/suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks much.

A friend of mine just keeps the plastic covering on! :smash:

MinWax

I*ve done a couple with burled cork grips and used a product by U-40 that is a cork sealer

Fish slime seems to keep mine looking just the way I want them ;)

:claps:

saddle soap...the liquid not the paste

if you give them a thourough light sanding with wet/dry #320 sandpaper, they'll look new. don't worry about sanding down the cork, the #320 barely removes any just kinda cleans. twice a year and they always look good, been doing this over 20 yrs.

I would suggest combining two of the things above. light sand as needed but use the sealer after light sanding and periodically between.

Mine look like crap too.
I will try sanding them down a little. That sealer on that sounds like a good ide as they just absorb fish juice...mine have a slight squid like smell...you get use to it after a while.



In fact I have some free time right now I thingk I will give it a go ....

Well, I just gave it a try...Not bad! A light sanding took off most of the heavy crud and dark staining. Not 100% new but a heck of a lot better.

:D

:D Whoops....still getting used to the board.....

I just read a clip sent into "Salt Water Sportsman", giving credit to Chris Loughlin from Wilington NC......he recommends using a product made by Birkenstock. They make those sandals....which have a cork bottom. He used Birkenstock "cork life". It seals out moisture and comes in a jar. Goes on white but dries clear. Goes on with a brush applicator and temp is no problem. Has used them on all his cork handles. Hope this helps...:cool: