U-40 pros and cons

[poisonokie]

What do you think? Does it actually work and if so, are there any drawbacks? What's the best way to apply it?

I feel like sealing cork is one of those things people do just to be safe without really thinking about it, so before I follow suit I'd like to know why.

Thanks!

[hoohoorjoo]

It seems to work as advertised, for me, at least. The cork filler stays put better when it's used. The only gripe I have is that it's not permanent, meaning the cork has to be cleaned and U40 reapplied every so often. If it matters to you, it makes the cork look slightly darker.

[hoohoorjoo]

My rodbuilder always applied it initially on the power wrapper, but I just wipe it on with a lint-free cloth, trying my best to make it an even coat.

[MikeK]

The cork filler stays put better when it's used.

Definitely helps with this. Makes the grips a little easier to keep clean but does need to be re-applied over time.

[Hogsticker2]

I don't really think their are any cons, unless you don't like how it slightly alters (darkens) the cork. I wouldn't use it on serious top grade cork myself for that reason (plus I like the natural feel), but I don't have to worry about it because I only have Eva and carbon grips in my arsenal.

[uljersey]

The instructions specifically say ONE THIN COAT ... anything beyond that will drip and sag, then dry as a cloudy blob. I use an old soft bristled makeup brush donated by my wife, it works well. I do mine once a season, usually during the winter downtime when I'm tearing everything down anyhow.

[poisonokie]

I'm okay with it darkening the cork if it prolongs the life. How does it alter the feel?

I have eleven rods with cork grips, some long full grips with a foregrip, some short split grips without, some in-between. Would one jar be enough to treat all those?

[poot04]

Yes, you can probably apply to your rods three times with one bottle.

[Hogsticker2]

I'm okay with it darkening the cork if it prolongs the life. How does it alter the feel?

I have eleven rods with cork grips, some long full grips with a foregrip, some short split grips without, some in-between. Would one jar be enough to treat all those?

1 bottle goes a very long ways. Super grade cork has a soft and slightly velvet like feel to it - very nice. When I used this product on some, that velvet feel kinda went away. Similar to applying a varnish to soft, untreated wood. Could just be my experience, and obviously cork looses that new feel after prolonged use anyways. I just prefer to clean up the cork with a magic eraser from time to time.

[tacklejunkie2]

I agree 100% with "Hogsticker2's" comment about the magic eraser. They work really well. I'm not a big fan of the U-40 product. The cork grips that I've held after this product was applied felt slick and slippery. Maybe it's just me.

[BRONZEBACK32]

First thing I do when I get a new rod is apply U-40, been doing it for years and all my rods cork look excellent.

I haven't even added any new U-40 to them, at the end of the year I just get a damp towel and wipe them down and they
look perfect again and like others have said, the cork filler stays put.

I love the stuff.

[Mattman]

The cork grips that I've held after this product was applied felt slick and slippery. Maybe it's just me.

My opinion...that's a sign of took much Cork Seal being applied.

[bronzefly]

The cork grips that I've held after this product was applied felt slick and slippery. Maybe it's just me.

My opinion...that's a sign of took much Cork Seal being applied.

Agreed. One thin coat can't be stressed enough. I put U40 on every single new cork handle rod I get every time. I use a small craft brush and am extremely happy with the product and the results. We sell a lot of it at the shop and the biggest complaint we get is that one bottle goes so far that it often gels up after a couple years not being used

[uljersey]

The cork grips that I've held after this product was applied felt slick and slippery. Maybe it's just me.

My opinion...that's a sign of took much Cork Seal being applied.

Agreed. One thin coat can't be stressed enough. I put U40 on every single new cork handle rod I get every time. I use a small craft brush and am extremely happy with the product and the results. We sell a lot of it at the shop and the biggest complaint we get is that one bottle goes so far that it often gels up after a couple years not being used

I transfer mine to a glass jar, it keeps a bit longer in glass. I guess there’s an ingredient in it that evaporates over time, being in glass slows that process down.

[jvelth74]

The best (and actually the only one) advantage that I have found of cork seal is to smooth Kuying Teton SUL and UL grips. Those are extremely rough. Just apply cork seal, let it dry, then sand with 120 paper. Much better! I have applied cork seal to all other my rods, but I haven't found much difference.