just curious...is it possible and can you paint the cork on rods? not like the entire handle cause i know that would evently come off in your hands.but what i wann do is paint the butts/caps different colors for certain setups so they are easier to go to rather then go through the collection.and if so is there a certain paint to use or brand and should i use a cork sealent b4 painting? and if so if they can be painted what would i coat the paint with,reg. clear coat? thanks in advance fellas

Honestly I really don't know.

I would suspect you might need to seal it or the paint would soak into the cork.

I'd definintely consider coating the paint or it's going to get knocked off with use. Maybe try Helmsman's in the rattle can. Just tape up what you don't want the Helmsman's on.

Try it on a junker and see what happens. Be interested to hear the results.

I don't think paint will last on cork.  If you are actually coloring the cork (and not a plastic butt cap) buy a 5 pack of sharpies in colors. (about $4) and you'll have no mess, easy touch up with little to no drying time required.  You can also get the metallic sharpies, and the writing will show up on the caps.  

just a thought

You could also try an oil based wood stain.  

I vote for the stain. That's probably the most permanent solution...

although a sharpie is a permanent marker  ;D  ;D  ;D

The other cheap and easy fix might be electrical tape.  The sell it in about 10 colors available at depot of lowes for under a buck a roll.  Just make a wrap or two where you want it and in some weeks when it comes loos, make another wrap.  Plus it's not permanent so if you change your mind or sell the rods, you can just take it off and clean any residue.

And there is always the colored zip tie.  If you are just ID'ing the rod by a color mark, that might be as good as anything.

Stain may work for a while, but you won't get much penetration into the cork...  which is why I suggested the sharpie.  Consider the mess, smell, drying times and ease of reapplication and color selection and I think sharpies are a much more friendly solution.  

Try a search on rbo- they've discussed painting and staining cork in the past.

The other option if you are gluing your own grips would be to use colored accent rings. Then you don't have to worry about the color wearing off or having to reapply.

Eric