How do you seal your cork handles?  I am looking to seal my cork handles for the first time and was looking for pointers.

 

Foam brush/bristles brush/paper towel wipe?  Do I need to painters tape over blank/reel seat?

 

Any suggestions?

 

TIA

-If you cork is dirty I use a magic eraser to clean the cork. Let it sit overnight to dry.

-I use painters tape to cover any plastic edges and exposed blank areas near the edges.

-I've used bristled brushes, but foam works also. With my bristle brush I just clean it off with soap & water when done using it, I just mark the brush with a sharpie (U40) and store it next to the cork sealer. That way I always have it together and re-coat in the winter when I'm not on the water.

-Just clean up any drip as you go along, it doesn't take much so go easy with it so it isn't dripping off. The cork will darker once it dries.

-After I've finished the rods I'll pull the tape after about an hour.

-This is the darkened finish after applying U40.

 

 

Go to Walmart's Craft section & buy a good artist brush, I bought the brush value pack.  I hang the rod handle over the edge of the kitchen table, put paper on the floor in case you use to much & it drips. Do not put to much U-40 on the brush. Just a small amount a little way up from the tip. Then put one light coat on the handle. JUST one light coat. It's easy to do.