cork sealer question

[reelblues]

I have never used cork sealer and was wondering if it helps make the rod more grip-able when wet. For years I have tried to get rods with non cork handles because here In the south, after one hot day of fishing, the cork gets dirty and real slippery. I have thrown more than one rod in the lake due to slippery cork. But, I still have a lot of cork rods but have never tried sealer.
Are all sealers the same? Is one brand tackier than another? I have used the tennis racket type grip tape, but not a big fan of that either.

[njbasscat]

I use U40 on all my cork. It seals the cork and keeps the filler in place. A quick scrub with soap and water gets the dirt and oils off the cork. It's relatively cheap. I purchased 1 jar a few seasons ago and still have plenty left, even after treating 20+ rods.

[cortman]

u40 is pretty much the gold standard. I can't even tell it's on the cork by look or feel but it helps make cleaning a lot easier.

[spencerinstl]

Use a magic eraser to clean the cork on your rods then seal them with u40. Makes it much easier to keep them clean after that.

[i_am_R2]

Not sure if this is much help however in my experience, cork sealer is not necessarily meant to make cork grips tackier, it helps keep it from falling apart. With that being said, i have noticed it does change the feeling of the cork slightly but wouldn't say it makes it any tackier. I still use it on all my cork handled rods though

[BRONZEBACK32]

I use U-40 on all my rods, first thing I do when I get a new rod is wipe the cork dust off and then add the seal.

It gives the rod more of a rougher feel, but that wears off fast, it also darkens the cork a bit....I love it.

[TommyG]

I don't think the UV40 makes the cork any stickier, when your paw gets sweaty the rod will still slip when you set the hook.
When it gets really hot I've been using the Buff Sun Gloves, they have a full palm and are sticky. Got them from TTT, of course!

[JigginOG]

Use a magic eraser to clean the cork on your rods then seal them with u40. Makes it much easier to keep them clean after that.

X2
Just tape off the non cork parts (reel seat, blank, etc.) as you would painting anything. Beware not to use too much as it does run a bit.

[DavidSA]

Use a magic eraser to clean the cork on your rods then seal them with u40. Makes it much easier to keep them clean after that.

X2
Just tape off the non cork parts (reel seat, blank, etc.) as you would painting anything. Beware not to use too much as it does run a bit.

this

I don't think it changes the way a rod feels. I will note that rods I sealed 2 years ago are getting dirtier then what I would have imagined. I've not cleaned them or attempted to so maybe the lesson is they still need to be cleaned every now and again even once sealed

[stykbowslim]

The cork will still need to be cleaned every once in awhile, even after a treatment of U40. Simple cleaners like; toothpaste and Fast Orange hand cleaner work great.

[bigfruits]

After cleaning the cork with Dawn soap and warm water and letting it dry overnight, I apply a coat of U40 with a small paintbrush. It definitely doesnt make it any more slippery. It does darken the cork a bit if that matters, I prefer the darker cork.

[mark poulson]

I have a rod whose cork fell out in one spot.
What should I use as a filler, before I seal it with U40?

[njbasscat]

I have a rod whose cork fell out in one spot.
What should I use as a filler, before I seal it with U40?

Ive used wood putty. It worked well.

[mark poulson]

I have a rod whose cork fell out in one spot.
What should I use as a filler, before I seal it with U40?

Ive used wood putty. It worked well.

Thanks.

[BRONZEBACK32]

I have a rod whose cork fell out in one spot.
What should I use as a filler, before I seal it with U40?

I've used wood glue before, just try and match the color.