Just got a new GLoomis Shakeyhead rod a few weeks ago and I need some advice on how to keep the handle looking new. I saw where John F mentioned a cork sealer in another post. I need to clean it some before I put a sealer on to. What's the best way to clean it and what was the name of that sealer again?

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the cork.

U-40 Cork Sealer to seal it up and keep it looking like new. Some people like the stuff, some don't It all depends on the application.

Old dirty cork gives a rod character..LOL

When I get a new rod, the first thing I do is seal the " fills " with liquid crazy glue. I run a very thin bead over the fill and let the glue soak into the fill material. If you don't, the material is subject to washing out during use. I take 400 grit sandpaper and lightly smooth the handle. After that, it only takes routine cleaning with a Magic Eraser to keep nice. I have rods over 15 years old and the cork has held up like new.

Old dirty cork gives a rod character..LOL

Yeah, it does. The problem I have with it is that it also knocks about $50 off the final sale price on ebay when I sell it in a few years or months depending on how much I like it lol. Being that I'm totally in love with this rod it will probably be years, if ever.

SoFla- Thanks and what do you mean it's for some and not others? Does it give it a little darker tone or different texture?

Yeah about those fills...this rod doesn't have any. It's the most pristine piece of cork I've ever seen. I hope to keep it that way because it's a beauty. I'm going to have to get a different reel for it. The black and red race car look of the CI4 doesn't look right and my drop-shot Cumara feels naked without it.

Edited May 29, 201115 yr by philsoreel

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the cork.

U-40 Cork Sealer to seal it up and keep it looking like new. Some people like the stuff, some don't It all depends on the application.

Where can I find these? Don't see either at BTD or TW?

Mr clean eraser can be found at your local super market or Home Depot.

I meant that some people like the way the U40 works and some don't. You need to lightly apply it.

Cabelas sells the cork sealer. I've gotta believe custom shops like Mudhole will sell it also. Like BassnBlvd mentioned, you can get a Magic Eraser at Home Depot and almost any super market.

Mr Clean magic eraser is amazing.

Where can I find these? Don't see either at BTD or TW?

magic eraser = grocery store

cork sealer = mudhole rod building supply or anglers workshop

Mr Clean magic eraser is amazing.

Ya, I heard about magic eraser and thought who would give a cr@p about how their cork looks???

One day I saw a magic eraser in my kitchen and thought what the heck .It melted the gunk off the cork and made it look new. It was so easy I cleaned the cork on all my poles

It's not always how how the cork looks. Grip can become an issue if it's neglected too much. Especially in wet or damp conditions.

U-40 works very well. On Trondak's website, they emphasize that only ONE thin coat is needed to get the desired result. If you apply it like you're painting a fence, you lose the cork feel. It will be slick and glossy.

I get a season out of a single application. In the winter I use the Magic Eraser and diluted Simple Green to clean the handles. I then let them air dry a day or two and apply the U-40. An old soft bristle women's makeup brush works well.

Another good product from Mudhole is Renzetti Ferrule Lube. If you have a two or more piece rod that you break down often, this is the stuff for you. It tightens the joint and eliminates twisting and accidental separation during a cast, but allows for easier breakdown. It's about $10 for a tiny bottle, but it will last you for years.

Question: does the U40 sealer affect the "tackiness" of the grip? Does the grip become more slippery when wet with the sealer applied?

I've been using U-40 cork seal for many years. A thin coat of it at the start of the season will last all year long. At the end of each season, I use Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the cork. Then I re-seal with a light coat of U-40. Never tacky or slick. Always a good feeling and it suppose to "preserve" the cork as well.

BTW, Netcraft carries it. Netcraft

Mr. Clean Magic Eraser to clean the cork.

U-40 Cork Sealer to seal it up and keep it looking like new. Some people like the stuff, some don't It all depends on the application.

X2

I just use warm water and dishsoap. Magic Earasers are abrasive and I would be worried about the long term effect on the cork.

I just use warm water and dishsoap. Magic Earasers are abrasive and I would be worried about the long term effect on the cork.

Abrasive?...?? Technically yes, but it's just a light piece of foam. Haven't used it yet but it seems harmless. Am I missing something? The handle is a bit fatter than I like and was halfway considering putting it on a fine emory cloth diet. Then, sealing it with the U40 when it gets here, but it's comfortable so I'm not going to risk screwing it up.

Since getting completely wet will darken the cork some should I just get the Magic Eraser damp or does it need to be wet?

Just stick it into some running water and then squeeze the excess out. It won't hurt the cork any. Make sure you let it thoroughly dry afterwards.

Thanks to all...

Wish I had known about the U40 earlier. I would've ordered it with the rod and sealed it before it left the house. This is my first cork in quite a while...