U-40 Cork Seal?

[Bob/Mn]

I am in the process of refinishing some cork rod handle.

Is there and advantage of giving the rod handles more than one coat of U-40 sealer?

[Brad B]

I have heard you should not seal cork. the cork needs to breathe. I was told sealing it will cause it to rot from the inside out. this came from a 30+ year rod builder. the best thing to do would be to lightly sand the cork handle with a fine grit sand paper to get any dirt and stains out of it. if the cork is that bad and you dont want to do a full replacement then you could fill any holes with a filler and then place some flocked shrink sleeve over the old cork. you won't have the cork look no more but it would buy you some time before having to do a full replacement of the handle.

[harvey lee]

9 years ago I had one rod and the cork was in very poor shape. I decided to use some flex coat but was concerned about the handle being a bit slippery.

I added a small amount of fine sand to the epoxy and put it on the handle.

You really can't hardly feel the sand but it sure keeps your hands from sliding on the handle.

Handle seems to be holding up fine after 9 years going on 10.

One might turn the cork a bit more brittle.

On my catfish rods, that cork was very bad from sitting in the rod holders alot. I put the shrink wrap material on the cork and now it does not get dirty and looks alot better.

[rushing]

Nothing wrong with sealing a cork handle. Is it necessary...no.

[CHM]

One coat only. Once sealed it won't absorb more. I love it, and my clients love it.

[Dogfish_Fishing]

if you read the directions, it states "Apply one coat only. Second coat will not penetrate." I've tried a second coat and trust me, follow the directions

[Heartman]

I have never used cork sealer - I use mineral oil and it does a fine job preserving the cork. Cleaning is a breeze, and a few drops rubbed all over makes it look new again. Prevents drying out.