cork handles

[prophet]

what product do you guys use to treat cork handles on rods.have a couple that seem to be drying out due to being out in the elements,thanks

[leechlake]

I had a buddy that used to put varnish or polyurethane on all his cork handles. I kind of liked it but never took the time to do it to my handles.

[DREZLER]

It seems like polyurethane may make them slippery.

[pikestabber]

I like the weathered look. I have rods from many years ago that still function fine even though the cork is dark and dry.

[Deitz Dittrich]

dish soap and water.

Or, a real fine grit sand paper..

Magic eraser works really good too.

rubbing alch does a good job too.

[MikeH55343]

Fish slime mixed with a little lake water. Hand applied of course. Repeat every 5-10 minutes.

[OnAFly]

That's what I use too. Haven't had a problem in years

[Bobb-o]

best thing for me for cleaning cork is toothpaste, It is better than even the finest sandpaper you can buy

[RawHog]

Leather conditioner maybe

[A.W.Wolfram]

First clean with denatured alcohol and let dry. If you wish to restore it to a near new finish you can sand it. Start with 200 if it is in rough shape otherwise 400 or a fine 3M sanding pad. Scotch Brite also works.

Clean with alcohol again and allow to dry.

Then apply U40 cork sealer. Cork sealer is formulated to strengthen and seal the cork without changing the soft feel cork offers. You could use other products like water seal or urethane but the out come is a hard plastic feeling finish.

[Bob/Mn]

This winter I sanded my handles with # 400 sand paper and put on a coat of U-40.( One coat only)

The handles really came out looking nice.

[RebelSS]

I've always used 409 to clean,then lighty sanded and called it good...where do you find the cork sealer???

[Heartman]

Still say mineral oil is the best. You're oiling wood - bark actually, from a tree.

And toothpaste does a good job as a hand cleaner if you're in a pinch. You'd be surprised the kind of gunk it will take off your hands.

[IcePro]

Baking soda

Mix baking soda with water to make a paste and work it into the cork with your hands.

Much finer than any sand paper

[RebelSS]

So no one can tell me where to get cork sealer???! Is it that big a secret???

[going4it]

I did this little search on the internet and it says you can get it at cabelas for 5.99. There are also reviews that you can read as well.

[RebelSS]

Thanks, going4it.