Sealing the cork

[Johnny A]

Guys talk about sealing cork handles and I can understand it philosophically but to me, sealing the cork would be akin to sealing the leather inside of your shoes or gloves. Human body oils and sweat affect the cork, as does fish “slime”, lotions and heat. The interaction between these elements obviously causes a cosmetic change but does if prevent beneficial interactions?

[BRONZEBACK32]

I use U-40 cork seal, it just keeps them nicer through the years and makes cleaning them a breeze.

Some of my cork that's 10 years old still looks new.

It basically is like sealing leather in a way, it prevents other oils, dirt and water from being soaked in.

[Drakestar]

I've always worried about cork sealing changing the feel of the cork, is that true? (There's a reason I get cork in the first place, after all, and that's the way it feels.)

I just regularly clean my handles with water and denatured alcohol. In my experience it's not the cork you have to worry about, it stays quite clean with frequent care. It's the cork *filler* that changes no matter what.

[Thunderblack1984]

U40 is great. I add to all my cork rods. A thin layer does not affect feel one bit and most cork just slightly darkens. I love the stuff! Just a thin coat and it takes seconds to apply.

[rollyourboat]

I've always worried about cork sealing changing the feel of the cork, is that true? (There's a reason I get cork in the first place, after all, and that's the way it feels.)

In my experience using U40 the first time you use the rod after applying the sealer, it does feel a little different. With new or "clean" unsealed cork it has this smooth powdery feel to it. Once you apply U40 it kind of stiffens up and changes color to a slightly darker color and feels a little more slick or tacky depending how much is put on. But after I'd say about a few hours of breaking it in there isn't much of a difference in feel, just won't have that powdery smoothness to it. I'd say it's similar to a raw sanded lure then feeling the bait again after giving it a very thin layer of clear coat. At least that's my experience.

[Johnny A]

It’s the change of texture/tackiness that bothers me, although I’ve never used the product. I’m afraid it would change grip feel or something similiar.

[Thunderblack1984]

Try it on one rod. I was the same way but after trying it on a few all the high end rods received a coat.

[BRONZEBACK32]

It also helps keep the filler in the cork.

[tywithay]

Benefits outweigh the negatives for me. Doesn't drastically change the feel, but makes it significantly easier to clean and keeps it looking new longer.

[DrTrevorkian]

I really don’t think there is a negative to U40, when applied as noted on the jar. After it breaks-in (pretty quick), I find it feels great and looks great if you occasionally clean them.

If you think more is better, it’s terrible. 1 thin coat applied to clean and dry handle is all it takes. If it starts building up or running while you apply it, it’s too much.

[njbasscat]

It also helps keep the filler in the cork.

This is the main reason I use it as it keeps the filler in place.

[montey]

I see no negatives to speak of by sealing with U40. It just protects the cork, and keeps any filler from falling out.
It may feel every so slightly different for 2 minutes, but once you fish with your rod you are not thinking about it at all.
Hopefully you will be catching some fish.

[noc10]

U40 is great. I add to all my work rods. A thin layer does not affect feel one bit and most cork just slightly darkens. I love the stuff! Just a thin coat and it takes seconds to apply.

It feels to me like U40 does change the feel a bit..but in a good way. It makes it have a slightly velvet-y tactile surface in my experience. I love the stuff.

[Thunderblack1984]

Yes, may not be that new powder cork feel when first taking the plastic off but its very minimal. Just did an expride, nrx, and another destroyer. Great product for sure!

[rando]

I honestly did not even notice the difference when I used it for the first time. Maybe the coat was too thin, but I dont think so. Have yet to try to clean the cork since the apllication (probably never will lol), but if it protects the filler I am a happy camper.