So when I applied U40 to some of my rods like my Dobyns Xtasy, Megabass Destroyer and Shimano Expride B. The cork becomes more of dark tan color. While my Gloomis NRX/Conquest and St Croix Legend X’s cork stays the light tan color. I’m assuming it’s just because it’s different type of cork but I do apply quite a bit of u40. Not until it’s dripping but enough.

 

Just curious if anyone else’s rods are the same.

Mine does the same thing. I think it's the different grade of Cork.

5 minutes ago, scbassin said:

Mine does the same thing. I think it's the different grade of Cork.

Possibly but with my lower end rods. It doesn’t do that.

I personally like the darker color it goes to some times.

Totally agree and I do a super light coat. SC and Loomis stay the same. Daiwa, Megabass, and others change. SC and G. Loomis also have the best cork. Doesn't bother me either way. 

Cork, being a natural material like wood varies slightly among samples. It’s normal and not an indication of quality or lack of. 

All of my Dobyns and Daiwa rods were darker after sealing. Didn't really matter to me as long as its protecting the cork.

Didn't wanna make another thread so figured I'd just add this this.

 

How often do you guys reapply your U40? I use this stuff anytime I get a new rod but have never reapplied any yet. Do you even have to? I've heard some use magic eraser to take any old stuff off and then reapply? 

I try to do mine once a year. I use Magic Eraser to clean them. If there are any pits or holes I fill them with wood filler. After it dries I sand it smooth with some 220 grit sandpaper. Then recoat them with U40. Don't try to put it on heavy. A light coating is all you need.

"How often do you guys reapply your U40?"

 

Never occurred to me. Great, now one more thing to worry about. 

I've never had sealer change the color of cork...

Once a year, after cleaning the cork with a Mr. Clean magic eraser.

22 hours ago, NorthernBasser said:

Didn't wanna make another thread so figured I'd just add this this.

 

How often do you guys reapply your U40? I use this stuff anytime I get a new rod but have never reapplied any yet. Do you even have to? I've heard some use magic eraser to take any old stuff off and then reapply? 

 

I even wipe down brand new rods with Magic Eraser first before I apply U40, you would be amazed how much loose cork dust there is from new rods. Clean rod cork, let dry overnight (unless you have nice warm weather), tape edges/trim if necessary apply light coat of cork sealer.

I've found that re-coating every other season works good for me in my fishing climate.

22 minutes ago, swhit140 said:

 

I even wipe down brand new rods with Magic Eraser first before I apply U40, you would be amazed how much loose cork dust there is from new rods.

Oh for sure. I do the same. I'll even hit it with some canned air right before I apply the U40. 

I did mine a month ago for the first time. After watching some you tube videos, I went a different way. I cleaned with magic eraser under warm water. Then I applied one coat of u40 to one and one coat of semi-gloss polyurethane to another (both casting rods). I liked the polyurethane look and feel much better. I did all my casting rods that way. I put 3 coats of polyurethane on all my spinning rods for added durability ease of cleaning, and a little more gloss. My hands don't touch the cork on the spinning rods (maybe a little), so I don't have to worry about them being to slippery when wet.

9 hours ago, Johnbt said:

"How often do you guys reapply your U40?"

 

Never occurred to me. Great, now one more thing to worry about. 

Anything we can do to be of help. 

On 3/11/2023 at 4:31 PM, Log Catcher said:

I try to do mine once a year. I use Magic Eraser to clean them. If there are any pits or holes I fill them with wood filler. After it dries I sand it smooth with some 220 grit sandpaper. Then recoat them with U40. Don't try to put it on heavy. A light coating is all you need.

 

The reason I seal my cork is to prevent pits from developing. I kinda baby my rods I guess because I've never had a pit form after I seal it. I always wondered if it would ever happen to sealed cork. I guess I know my answer now.

38 minutes ago, fish_burrito said:

 

The reason I seal my cork is to prevent pits from developing. I kinda baby my rods I guess because I've never had a pit form after I seal it. I always wondered if it would ever happen to sealed cork. I guess I know my answer now.

My rods are all fairly old and had seen a lot of use before I ever did anything to take care of them. The cork was getting in pretty rough shape before I started cleaning and sealing them. 

On 3/12/2023 at 1:45 PM, Deleted account said:

I've never had sealer change the color of cork...

Sealed 5 tonight. Three changed the color to darker tan. I guess you’ve been luckier than everyone on the thread. 
 

I don’t mind the color change though. Better than how It looks when it’s dirty. 

On 3/12/2023 at 4:53 PM, GPtimes2 said:

I did mine a month ago for the first time. After watching some you tube videos, I went a different way. I cleaned with magic eraser under warm water. Then I applied one coat of u40 to one and one coat of semi-gloss polyurethane to another (both casting rods). I liked the polyurethane look and feel much better. I did all my casting rods that way. I put 3 coats of polyurethane on all my spinning rods for added durability ease of cleaning, and a little more gloss. My hands don't touch the cork on the spinning rods (maybe a little), so I don't have to worry about them being to slippery when wet.

 
 

Any pictures? 

The AA cork on my champ XPs turned this color after a light coat of u40 and some use. Doesn't get much lighter when I magic eraser the dirt off.

 

 

 

 

26 minutes ago, fish_burrito said:

The AA cork on my champ XPs turned this color after a light coat of u40 and some use. Doesn't get much lighter when I magic eraser the dirt off.

Same color the handles on my Furys turned.

 

Reminds me...I gotta U-40 my Victorys and Mojos....