good to hear. U must be careful. If u put rods in rod holders the U40 alone will not be enough. But if u fish the rod in-hand and don't leave it in rod holders or in rocks - then its good
Thanks for the video about U40. I love all of your videos. They are very detailed and informative. Thanks for doing the research and then taking the the time to prepare and post your videos.
Round 2 of the Rods after 7 hours!! I sanded both the Saltwater & Freshwater Rods(6 total). I got a MinWax satin finish in a spray can & it dries reel fast...very little gloss & a tube of filler. Forget the filler the Poly by itself is plenty...it fills the voids!! They have 5 coats apiece & look reel good + they are knot slick at all...The sanding may have something to do with it...I used 60 grit, 220 & 600 to finish!! Thanks 4 the Tip....SeaYa!!
I've found that cutting oil based spar urethane with either naptha or mineral spirits to be the best way to go. Spar urethane has UV inhibitors so the sun doesn't damage things. .
This is helpful. I kept hearing you mention on other video's that you seal your cork handles and wondered how and what you were using. I should have known you have a video showing just that...lol. Love all the information on your channel.
Great video. I use and prefer the U-40 on my rods. In the past I have used a small sponge brush for application and that worked fine, but the makeup sponge idea is genius!
As a 20 year veteran professional hardwood floor finisher, the yellow min wax your are using is oil based. You can add a little bit of stain to it if you want it to look like a fine piece of furniture but you must use a brush.
Hello from Mexico. Great video. I have been using a DECK OIL for many years, it seals, protects and leaves appearance like new. I have had no problems and it lasts for many months and abuse. I like it because it dries and is not sticky or waxy and leaves a natural cork feeling. In addition, it is a product that is around the house at all times as a leftover from other maintenance projects.
i really want to build my own rod because I am so damn picky and i don't 100% like anything out there. If u not lazy send me a couple of pictures of some of ur custom rods : ifishcatfish@gmail.com
The reason the original Minwax Poly works better is because it is thinner. It actually has a chance to soak into the wood and penetrate deeper to protect more... That thick stuff is just a top coating... I seal mine with regular poly then put that X-Grip heat shrink on all my cork handles now, i prefer the rubber grip texture now and it cleans easier...
Well.....i thought I had some polyurethane like you had , but all I could find was a Minwax spray . After cleaning , I even done some light sanding , I sprayed a couple of rods. It was on some old Pro Lite Ugly Sticks. If they come out good , I'll do my Fenwicks . They're still drying now . I'm not sure if they have the color. Well....they are darker.
I started using boiled linseed oil on my cork handles recently. I already use it on my wood tool handles and love it. I think it should work out pretty well regarding protection, look, and feel.
linseed oil is beautiful finish on unfinished wood, but i don't think it provides any protection. It's just a stain. You can put it but you still need something on top of it
@@ifishcatfish Linseed oil any many other oils polymerize. They harden and somewhat seal the wood. It is not as effective as polyurethane, but it is protective with several coats.
I would think linseed oil -- as a drying oil -- will prevent water ingress but would also harden the cork over time. It's widely used on cricket bats for both these qualities.
@@TheSpoovy As far as I can tell, it never hardens to a brittle state. I have years of buildup on the top of my linseed oil can. It is still firm and flexible.
Trying to watch your video while talking to other people is not ideal, so I'm going to have to watch this again. I like the look and feel of new cork and I've got about 4 new fishing rods that have cork so I'm thinking the Cork Renew is probably the way for me to go. I want it to be protected little better than than the first one the U-40... although I do like the idea of the being able to wipe clean and dry. That's the only thing about cork if you don't protect it, overtime it, does lose that appearance and absorbs nasties. So I'm in agreement with you...you need to protect your investment... I have one rod hats been a favorite for 15 years I've used it for Crappie fishing walleye fishing bluegill perch whatever you name. I bought it for $20 a Berkley rod with a split cork handle and man it's been such a nice rod. It's slightly more limber than the 7' Shakespeare Micro lite I bought to replace it with. Seems we have similar taste in some of our gear. HOWEVER the the cork is starting to show its age I'm hoping that maybe lightly sanding it and putting some sealer on it might be a way to extend the life on that rod. I need to go back and find where you bought that stuff at, the Court Renew... thanks for the review. Keep up the great videos and Good fishing.
if you are going to seal it with poly, buy a tube of wood filler for 2 bucks and fill the holes first. Do this for all rods. Once u seal them with poly, the wood filler aint gona be goin nowhere
I know this is an older video, but Thanks for the info...I cleaned most my rods and put the regular polyurethane in a satin finish on them...Made them pop. Used a magic eraser and warm water to do initial cleaning.
Another great video. Here in Florida the saltwater does a number on rods and reels especially on the corks handles. I would love to be able to try U-40 sealant to preserve the handles from the elements.
check the whole video. Poly is not better, not worse, but very different. For some applications it would be better. By the way we still don't have panfishing here, so i haven't tested any of your gear, but i am preparing reel comparisons and the Luvias will come handy. The Luvias is so far the best finesse reel that i have tried. If you do need any of your tackle back just let me know and i will mail you back the one u need.
Man I've been waiting for this video for some time now and I'm surprised to see that the main thing you use is minwax. I walked in the house today after work and my wife had some out doing a project. I'm going to the dam tomorrow and when I get back I'll be stealing some of her minwax. She doesn't have any u 40 but oh well. I also really miss Menard's. I contracted a job last January in Ottawa and used Menard's constantly. Love that place, it's something the North has and the South is really missing out. Great video and thank you so much for this one!
my menards is a little further away than Home Depot, but is much bigger and consistently cheaper, so I end up going there when i'm gona spend more than 100 bucks. Could have given u links to home depot, where minwax costs $10, but for my subs i went the extra mile and found the cheapest, which again was Menards, and just $6!
Don't own any cork rods anymore....way to much work always cleaning them and such...lol. However I never even thought about sealing them , never even knew stuff existed to do it....very cool video...I definitely learned something new
next time u see a good deal on a rod with cork handle - grab it! Then just seal it with whatever Poly u have around the house. I watch ur videos, u r always on a project, i am sure u will have some poly in the house. If not - use the link below and buy a whole quart for $6. U will use it for other stuff, not just the rod.
depends how u make it. If u put only 1 layer it wont be smooth. But even if it turns out to be smooth, u can get some rough sandpaper and give it texture
I really appreciate the advice... But maybe I'm just being me, but I love my dirty cork handles. Love how they look , kinda like me .A lil grungy but useful and reliable.. God bless y'all 👍🙏✝️♥️🎣🏹🛶🇺🇸
Great video I have been wondering what kind of sealant to use now I know what options to choose from thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter.ub40
Do you notice the finish becoming brittle over time? I'd expect waterborne poly to be terrible, but oil poly of the correct formulation could work well. If you get a chance I'd be curious to know what you think of Johnson's Wood Paste. I've been tempted to try it, but it may become slick over time. On another note, can I use the Daiwa Legalis to fish my salty child out of the water at the beach? It is a freshwater beach... But he's very very salty. I've been enjoying your videos, keep it up!
I’m confused,,you said you weren’t impressed by the UV40 at the beginning of the vid,,but towards the end it sounds as if you think it’s pretty good. Sooo,does the UV40 work or not?
I think i explained well my preferences and i showed u how they look like. I dont think i can do better. All 3 work, but they feel different to touch and have different look. I just use poly and i like it the most.
Okay I like the information I'm definitely going to take your advice I don't know if I really need to clean it because it still has the plastic on it when I bought it from tangle with catfish I did put wood filler on there lightly sanded it down got the dust off in applied semi-gloss Minwax polyurethane you're right it does look good now just let it dry thanks for all the information
A super glue works real good to see your rods real clear and it don't come off make sure you get the gel kind so you can wipe it on with your finger and it's staying on I haven't had any trouble with it it's been good to me and it's waterproof
good question. I should have addressed that. The natural sealants do not, and the Kelly actually makes it even grippier. The Poly is slippier, if u can measure it with an instrument. It is visibly more slippery. That said, I have never once felt the rod slipping out of my hands, except in the winter when I am fishing with thick gloves. But all my rods are sealed and i didn't have natural cork to compare, and probably natural cork would slip too, when with gloves. As far as fishing in the summer, i promise you none of these will slip.
Good review. Like the U40 Finnish the best. Followed by the pure Polly. Have you ever heard of using boiled linseed oil? It's great for wood. I'm experimenting with it. It might be good for the cork, but no sealing properties. Oh, U-40! ☺
The only thing I didn’t like about the U40 was that after application you lose the feel and tackiness. Makes it feel hard and slightly slick. There always a trade off.
Thanks for posting an awesome video. Just bought a Fenwick HMG travel spinning rod and I am planning on applying minwax polyurethane in a satin finish (to avoid the overly glossy look). How long do you wait between coats? Should I let it dry then reapply, or just go over the rod three times and let it dry? Your rods look fantastic and can't wait to give this a try, hate when the cork starts cracking.
yeah, i have satin too. You can additionally touch it with very fine sandpaper after you are done with poly, just to make sure it has some texture. As for layers - just read instruction on the label, because every one is different. I do a layer and leave it in garage, and next day i do another one. If I see drops of poly, i will touch those with sandpaper. You can even put stain if you want, but i love the yellowish look of simple poly. Looks like a well aged old wood.
Great vid. Never thought about sealing the cork. I always just clean my handles with old sock with 91% isopropyl alcohol. Works great and takes 3 or 4 minutes to do. The original Poly looks the best to me. I will have to inspect my cork handles for filler. I have two old Eagle Claw cork handle rods from when I was in high school in 1975. They are still in great shape and they are my most used rods. My buddy always says"Take care of your S**t and your S**t will take care of you"!
There is no need for isopropyl alcohol. It is actually not a good solvent. Also has no sealing properties, so fish slime will stick pretty good. The best solvent of dirt is dish detergent, and it is also very safe and readily available, but you probably have poly in your house left over from some project. Try one of the rods, just one, and you will do the rest of them : )
U40 offers very little protection from rain or physical disintegration. Your handle WILL develop holes in a year or so, if U40 is all u use. Even if you use your rod gently.
Hello my friend! I just subscribed to your channel. Your video showed up in my recommended videos, so there is some feedback you may be glad to know! I do a lot of rod building and other fishing related videos myself. I really liked your tip on the makeup sponges, I can see a lot of potential applications for those in rod building! I have been trying out a product for potential use for a cork sealant and I will probably be doing a video on that in the near future. When I do, I'm going to mention your channel and the tip on the sponges and hopefully send some people your way to subscribe. Take care and keep up the good work!
What do recommend? Ik this video is old but i want to protect the cork handles on my new concrete tools. Looking mostly for protection from UV rays, chipping and cracking and be okay with coming into contact with water. Any recommendations? Thanks man! How does the Miniwax do in wet/ sweaty conditions?
Kelly is not sticky from one layer. If you try more layers it can get sticky. Poly doesn't get sticky no matter how many layers. It's not slippery either. It would take a lot of sanding with fine sandpaper to make it slippery. Honestly, when cork gets wet it feels kind of yucky too, and this is much better.
@@ifishcatfish thank you. I just got into gly fishing. First cork rod handle I've had. Was actually looking at all 3 products u used,not the marine poly. Any recs on restoring cork? Just use wood filler?
Yeah I'd like to try some of that U 40 I've got four older tangling with catfish rods and still has the plastic on there it comes with it but I would like to see what so I would like to try that stuff thanks
i recommend buying wood filler, and fill he holes first. Then seal it with Poly. Watch the whole video if u haven't. U can make those cork handles look better than new if u follow my advice. Clean them real good, fill all holes with wood filler, then seal with poly
I would add that if you wanted to clean your corks before applying any sealant, should be cleaned with Mr Cleans Magic Eraser bars, that thing is amazing!
i bought this after someone else recommended it. I have to admit it works great, but it has to have some common cleaning solution used in other cleaners, there is no other way.. : ) I think you should be fine with dishwashing liquid and a sponge : )
poly feels the best, in my opinion. People keep saying plastic but thats just false. Try it and you will see. When poly dries, the film is so thin that it does not change the feel at all. Maybe a little, but for the better.
I watch your Fishing Videos...Even if you're knot katchin' anything. I no longer have any synthetic handles...they are all cork & I have knot done anything to them...So do I sand & seal + per your recommendation do I use the U-40 or the regular poly...one I can get today the other I order...Also will they be Slippery with either sealant...I'm looking for a project & I need to spend some money....Sea Ya!!
I have never sanded by handles, but I seal them brand new, so i dont have to. If yours are dirty, i would wash them first with dish detergent and a sponge, and if they are still dirty, i would VERY GENTLY sand them. NEXT, if you are gona do this to all rods, - buy some wood filler. It is only a couple of bucks. It is the same color as wood. FILL ALL HOLES before sealing them! If u clean them good and fill the holes and then go with regular Poly, i promise they will look BETTER than new! As far as slippery - don't worry about that. Techincally, they might be a little more slippery, but in practice I have never felt my rod being slippery. Most of the time u hold the reel seat where there is no cork anyway. BUT. If you DO FEEL it is slippery, get some sandpaper, and very gently roughen the Poly to your preferred texture. It will still be sealed, even if u sand after application. Send me pictures to ifishcatfish@gmail.com when u done. I know u will do a great job. Don't do all of them at once. Do one - see how it goes, then do the next...
@@ifishcatfish I just pulled the rods off the boat & the handles look like crap...so I lightly sanded them & they are smooth enough for me & the question about a slick butt doesn't matter...because without the sealant they are slick from the oils on my hand...so I'm off to Lowes for the regular poly...Thanks for the info....Now go catch some fish!!
Question. I just ordered the U40 and was wondering if you use it on the rubberized cork like on the butt on the rods? Or do you just do it on the natural cork on the handle?
U40 is so light.. u can use it on anything and wont make a big difference. If u think of polyU, then i would only do the cork. But U40 is like water, very light
Out of All the sealer on your rods which one is holding up today I had a buddy he put that glue that you put on your guides on your rods it’s Real shiny and when you get it wet it won’t slip off your hands it has a good grip but he passed away and I don’t know anybody does it anymore
Maybe you can help with my cork problem, I fish on the beach and I used PVC rod holder, my problem is the PVC will damage the bottom part of my cork, is there a wrap I can use or will the poly help with this?
The poly will help with sand and will look nicer, but i don't think it will prevent damage from such big force. You need to make the edges on your PVC soft. Also, they sell these rubber shrink sleeves. They are super cheap on ebay. Buy some and put it on top of the cork and heat shrink it. That will give u most protections, and when u cut it, you can tear it and replace it with new. You don't use glue and it comes off with no wear to your cork handle.
Great comparison and info. Two rods arrived this afternoon and one has pristine plastic covered cork that deserves sealing. It's an alleged upgrade to the most expensive catfish specific rod I purchased in the early 1990's. Quite a few subtle differences in side by side comparison and while the original has much character the new companion is shiny and new and I'd prefer to keep it close to that! Curious if you've used the poly on old, worn cork? (and results)
@@ifishcatfish Been checking videos and that looks like a solid option. I love my weathered old workhorse but I'd love to pass it down than see her deteriorate to garage sale junk when I pass. Spent too much money but still making memories! Thanks!
probably a little... but u don't really hold the cork.. u hold the reel seat. Definitely no issue in the summer. In the winter, if u have gloves, might be an issue
epoxy? Here?? i dont know much about rod building but puting any kind of epoxy here will completely destroy the feel of the hand. Even poly i only put one layer on expensive rods. On cheaper rods i will go 2
@@ifishcatfish sounds good. I just have a couple cheap ones I was going to experiment on. Ice rod building is all I get into. Guys will seal cork with lazer engraving or something special to them. Different application obviously so I figured I’d ask. Appreciate your time!
@@ifishcatfish I found the trick. U40 until it doesn’t absorb anymore. On cheap rods it can be more than one coat depending on the filler, cheap scheels rods. Then a coat of poly. Just finishing up my 8th. Looks and feels incredible. No tacky feel but also grippy
Thanks for the video. After watching i decided to go with polyurethane. Got minwax warm semigloss. I put on a good first coat, waited about 5 hours and sanded lightly, tyen a light second coat. The mext morning a light 3rd coat then in the evening a light sanding and 4th coat. I think i may sand then again and do a satin or matte layer to give it some texture and grip. The semi-gloss is a bit too smooth and slick. The cork does look absolutely amazing. Looks like a very well kept vintage cork even though it's brand new.
you put too many coats but i know the temptation. One or two coats still preserve the underlying texture. Also don't sand unless very smooth already, sanding additionally removes texture. If you do it again do just two coats with nothing. Its very easy and looks and feels great
i_fish I looked into no wax like you mentioned. I found they are water based now compared to your can. Will that be fine or look for oil base poly? I did find another brand that was oil based.
PolyU will offer best protection, if thats what u looking for. It's not all about protection. Its also look and feel. I discussed these in the video. U have to decide yourself. Poly offerst best protection but is kind of shiny
Poly dries in a couple of hours in the summer. The other stuff I wait one day. I gave the bottle away before I used it, but I don't think you have enough rods to use the whole bottle. I would guess at least 100.
Excellent. Valuable! Thanks man. You got good stuff. Liked. The best is to use high quality cork that does not require sealer - but of course, you can't find this on most production rods. Few things on a fishing rod is as beautiful as super high grade cork with minimal defects.
@@ifishcatfish I've had multiple JDM rods that I tested and pass on, never any with cork grips unfortunately. However, as to whether those cork even exist, yes they do. I have lots of them and built many custom grip and never once used filler. They are beautiful. The highest grade of cork is called 'Flor' but even amongst flor grades, there is variance. I basically use only the best stuff I can find. Like I said, beautiful stuff. I even visited a sports equipment manufacturer's factory as they use lots of cork. He buys corks in large sheets from portugal still not cut into rings or squares and I saw him cut it into smaller pieces. It is really something to see. It is surprising how low quality manufacturers are willing to use to save $.
Yeah, right. Whatever. I was talking about real world. If you can tell me a rod at ANY price that has cork without filler, TELL ME, and i will find someone who has it to check this for me. I am only interested in real world.
@@ifishcatfish OK, my friend. I am not sure why you seem often offended by dialogue that may expand the range of things to consider. This has happened a number of times when I was simply posting my own observations and experiences with any sense of debate or trying to prove you wrong. I won't post further on your channel then. What I posted is so basic really regarding high grade cork. There are high end JDM rods that I am quite sure do not use fillers as there are some serious commercial builds that are on par with custom builders. The cork I buy and build on is 'real world' as I have a lot of them - they are not unicorn hair or phoenix feathers. The JDM rods are 'real world'. And custom builders are 'real world'. To limit what is 'real world' only to your own experience is very limiting, it seems. I just fished with those filler free rods yesterday so they are as real as can be. The whole point of an online community seem to be to consider each others' comments as plausibly valid to expand our understanding. (i.e. micro guides vs regular guides casting distance) I don't know you personally but you seem to have some type of ego going on where alternative perspectives seem to be a threat or something. Perhaps you feel that you need to be the highest authority on your statements. I don't know, but do wish you well in your channel. If so, it is your channel and I will respect that. I assure you that I will no longer be an irritant to you on your channel. Thanks again for all the postings. I do find them helpful and am grateful. ps: If you want to see examples, you can just find them on youtube if you just do some searches. No need to even leave the comfort of your home.
I consider everything. Almost everything i own is a subscriber suggestion, and i give them credit in my videos. I even asked you - TELL ME the rod, any price, that uses cork without filler. You go on this long rant which i did not even read. Instead of a 200 word rant, all you had to do is tell me 'Graphite Leader Alpha Zero'. This is how people give me suggestions. Tell me the product! Instead you always talk about these imaginary products that only you have seen. Honestly, i think you are a little crazy. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to talk about real world only, not whats in your head. Now go find some channel that is up to your standards. Farewell.
Your rods and reels will probably be in a museum a thousand years from now. 👍🏼
🤣😂🤣😂
I put U-40 on cork handles 25 years ago and they still look good. I really like it
good to hear. U must be careful. If u put rods in rod holders the U40 alone will not be enough. But if u fish the rod in-hand and don't leave it in rod holders or in rocks - then its good
U-40, you've been very helpful I don't know why people aren't watching your videos but I will from now on thanks
Joe Dunbar thank man!
Im sure the U-40 give away is over, but I want to thank you for doing the comparison of all the cork coatings, i found it very helpful,
thanks buddy!
Thanks for the video about U40. I love all of your videos. They are very detailed and informative. Thanks for doing the research and then taking the the time to prepare and post your videos.
Three out the four are waterbase and the honey colored Minwax is solvent based and that is where the amber color came from.
Round 2 of the Rods after 7 hours!! I sanded both the Saltwater & Freshwater Rods(6 total). I got a MinWax satin finish in a spray can & it dries reel fast...very little gloss & a tube of filler. Forget the filler the Poly by itself is plenty...it fills the voids!! They have 5 coats apiece & look reel good + they are knot slick at all...The sanding may have something to do with it...I used 60 grit, 220 & 600 to finish!! Thanks 4 the Tip....SeaYa!!
i knew you would do a good job with that.
@@ifishcatfish They be lookin' Reel New...LOL!!
I've found that cutting oil based spar urethane with either naptha or mineral spirits to be the best way to go. Spar urethane has UV inhibitors so the sun doesn't damage things. .
This is helpful. I kept hearing you mention on other video's that you seal your cork handles and wondered how and what you were using. I should have known you have a video showing just that...lol. Love all the information on your channel.
Great video. I use and prefer the U-40 on my rods. In the past I have used a small sponge brush for application and that worked fine, but the makeup sponge idea is genius!
Kelly's is what us aging hippies used on our Birkenstock cork-soled sandals. Never thought of using it on a fishing rod cork . . . but I will now!
:)
Enjoy all your videos. Your no nonsense. I use polyurethane in a Matte finish. Looks good with no shine!
thats the best poly!
I used the Satin finish Minwax on my cork handles. They look amazing. Thanks for the video.
Glad you like them!
As a 20 year veteran professional hardwood floor finisher, the yellow min wax your are using is oil based. You can add a little bit of stain to it if you want it to look like a fine piece of furniture but you must use a brush.
U got it
Hello from Mexico. Great video. I have been using a DECK OIL for many years, it seals, protects and leaves appearance like new. I have had no problems and it lasts for many months and abuse. I like it because it dries and is not sticky or waxy and leaves a natural cork feeling. In addition, it is a product that is around the house at all times as a leftover from other maintenance projects.
excellent English for Mexico, senior! Most of the kids in our cities cannot even read
Very informative Viktor...
I like and use U-40 on rods that I build. I prefer the natural look and feel.
i really want to build my own rod because I am so damn picky and i don't 100% like anything out there. If u not lazy send me a couple of pictures of some of ur custom rods : ifishcatfish@gmail.com
The reason the original Minwax Poly works better is because it is thinner. It actually has a chance to soak into the wood and penetrate deeper to protect more... That thick stuff is just a top coating... I seal mine with regular poly then put that X-Grip heat shrink on all my cork handles now, i prefer the rubber grip texture now and it cleans easier...
but wood looks better. You can't have high end rods with rubber
@@ifishcatfish Ahh, opinions... lol
Thsts exactly what i was about to use. Glad you reaffirmed my thoughts about it. Thanks. Look great
Great video. A real pleasure to watch. Love your practical overview of the various products. Cheers from 'down under'!
Good to see viewers from Australia, as I watch big snowflakes through my window.. : )
the U40 looks like the one i would like to try.
Well.....i thought I had some polyurethane like you had , but all I could find was a Minwax spray . After cleaning , I even done some light sanding , I sprayed a couple of rods. It was on some old Pro Lite Ugly Sticks. If they come out good , I'll do my Fenwicks . They're still drying now . I'm not sure if they have the color. Well....they are darker.
I started using boiled linseed oil on my cork handles recently. I already use it on my wood tool handles and love it. I think it should work out pretty well regarding protection, look, and feel.
linseed oil is beautiful finish on unfinished wood, but i don't think it provides any protection. It's just a stain. You can put it but you still need something on top of it
@@ifishcatfish Linseed oil any many other oils polymerize. They harden and somewhat seal the wood. It is not as effective as polyurethane, but it is protective with several coats.
@@J-Rigby as far as protection its like puting corn or canola oil on ir rod handles. People like ot for the nice color, not protection
I would think linseed oil -- as a drying oil -- will prevent water ingress but would also harden the cork over time. It's widely used on cricket bats for both these qualities.
@@TheSpoovy As far as I can tell, it never hardens to a brittle state. I have years of buildup on the top of my linseed oil can. It is still firm and flexible.
I like and use U-40 on rods that I build. I prefer the natural look and feel.
Very informative. Thank you. Just the info I was looking for.
Trying to watch your video while talking to other people is not ideal, so I'm going to have to watch this again. I like the look and feel of new cork and I've got about 4 new fishing rods that have cork so I'm thinking the Cork Renew is probably the way for me to go. I want it to be protected little better than than the first one the U-40... although I do like the idea of the being able to wipe clean and dry. That's the only thing about cork if you don't protect it, overtime it, does lose that appearance and absorbs nasties. So I'm in agreement with you...you need to protect your investment... I have one rod hats been a favorite for 15 years I've used it for Crappie fishing walleye fishing bluegill perch whatever you name. I bought it for $20 a Berkley rod with a split cork handle and man it's been such a nice rod. It's slightly more limber than the 7' Shakespeare Micro lite I bought to replace it with. Seems we have similar taste in some of our gear. HOWEVER the the cork is starting to show its age I'm hoping that maybe lightly sanding it and putting some sealer on it might be a way to extend the life on that rod. I need to go back and find where you bought that stuff at, the Court Renew... thanks for the review. Keep up the great videos and Good fishing.
if you are going to seal it with poly, buy a tube of wood filler for 2 bucks and fill the holes first. Do this for all rods. Once u seal them with poly, the wood filler aint gona be goin nowhere
I know this is an older video, but Thanks for the info...I cleaned most my rods and put the regular polyurethane in a satin finish on them...Made them pop. Used a magic eraser and warm water to do initial cleaning.
I LOVE hearing these stories! Thanks for the time to write it!
Did you use the same Minwax polyurethane product? How did the satin finish compare to his semi gloss??
How did this work out for you? Is the cork slippery after the polyurethane?
Another great video. Here in Florida the saltwater does a number on rods and reels especially on the corks handles. I would love to be able to try U-40 sealant to preserve the handles from the elements.
Buy some then lol
I use U-40 on all my cork rods Victor, I never thought of using poly on any rods but it’s definitely something to consider :D.
check the whole video. Poly is not better, not worse, but very different. For some applications it would be better.
By the way we still don't have panfishing here, so i haven't tested any of your gear, but i am preparing reel comparisons and the Luvias will come handy. The Luvias is so far the best finesse reel that i have tried. If you do need any of your tackle back just let me know and i will mail you back the one u need.
i_fish Take your time Victor, I planned on not using that gear until fall. I have of new toys to keep me busy all spring/summer lol
Man I've been waiting for this video for some time now and I'm surprised to see that the main thing you use is minwax. I walked in the house today after work and my wife had some out doing a project. I'm going to the dam tomorrow and when I get back I'll be stealing some of her minwax. She doesn't have any u 40 but oh well. I also really miss Menard's. I contracted a job last January in Ottawa and used Menard's constantly. Love that place, it's something the North has and the South is really missing out. Great video and thank you so much for this one!
my menards is a little further away than Home Depot, but is much bigger and consistently cheaper, so I end up going there when i'm gona spend more than 100 bucks. Could have given u links to home depot, where minwax costs $10, but for my subs i went the extra mile and found the cheapest, which again was Menards, and just $6!
U-40 is a great product, that's all I use.
Don't own any cork rods anymore....way to much work always cleaning them and such...lol. However I never even thought about sealing them , never even knew stuff existed to do it....very cool video...I definitely learned something new
next time u see a good deal on a rod with cork handle - grab it! Then just seal it with whatever Poly u have around the house. I watch ur videos, u r always on a project, i am sure u will have some poly in the house. If not - use the link below and buy a whole quart for $6. U will use it for other stuff, not just the rod.
I do have a old rod with a cork handle....never use it anymore...but will slap a coat on it and see how it does...just because :)
Great video. I agree, that paint brush prices are ridiculous.
U-40 is the best , thank you so much for this video
I never used U-40, would be willing to try it
Thank You Brother gonna do 3 rods tonight. Tight Lines👍
THANK YOU for doing this comparison. Extremely useful.
thanks for dropping a comment!
You do a great job. Would love to meet you and educate myself on your knowledge, are you going to the catfish conference in Pigeon Forge in May?
unlikely to happen this year. One day, when i move south
Great video. Very detailed. Thank you!
thanks for taking a second to drop a comment buddy
WOW! Great info! u-40
I like the looks of U 40 the best.
there u go, now u know what u want
Great video man... I've been looking for videos on various types of cork sealing. u40
Great video. u40
Does the urethane make the cork slippery?
I like natural cork because it’s not slippery when wet
depends how u make it. If u put only 1 layer it wont be smooth. But even if it turns out to be smooth, u can get some rough sandpaper and give it texture
Great info man- I am gonna try some of that u-40 💯👍
I really appreciate the advice... But maybe I'm just being me, but I love my dirty cork handles. Love how they look , kinda like me .A lil grungy but useful and reliable.. God bless y'all 👍🙏✝️♥️🎣🏹🛶🇺🇸
i like it too, until the filler falls off, and you have these gaping holes inside..
Great video I have been wondering what kind of sealant to use now I know what options to choose from thanks for sharing your thoughts on the matter.ub40
thanks Maurice
thanks, found a way to seal my birkenstock sandals after spending 3 hours, their inhouse cork sealer not being available :)
U-40 still up for grabs. Lol.
Thanks, I enjoyed your video. George
Do you notice the finish becoming brittle over time? I'd expect waterborne poly to be terrible, but oil poly of the correct formulation could work well.
If you get a chance I'd be curious to know what you think of Johnson's Wood Paste. I've been tempted to try it, but it may become slick over time.
On another note, can I use the Daiwa Legalis to fish my salty child out of the water at the beach? It is a freshwater beach... But he's very very salty.
I've been enjoying your videos, keep it up!
i have never seen flaky finish on my rods. I put it with confidence on $300 japanese rods
I’m confused,,you said you weren’t impressed by the UV40 at the beginning of the vid,,but towards the end it sounds as if you think it’s pretty good. Sooo,does the UV40 work or not?
I think i explained well my preferences and i showed u how they look like. I dont think i can do better. All 3 work, but they feel different to touch and have different look. I just use poly and i like it the most.
Okay I like the information I'm definitely going to take your advice I don't know if I really need to clean it because it still has the plastic on it when I bought it from tangle with catfish I did put wood filler on there lightly sanded it down got the dust off in applied semi-gloss Minwax polyurethane you're right it does look good now just let it dry thanks for all the information
u can send me picture to ifishcatfish@gmail.com when its done : )
A super glue works real good to see your rods real clear and it don't come off make sure you get the gel kind so you can wipe it on with your finger and it's staying on I haven't had any trouble with it it's been good to me and it's waterproof
Great video U-40
so far u are the only legit entry! Make sure u watch the draw next week. I don't think there will be many legit entries, and i have 2 prizes... : )
Does sealing the cork make the rod more slippery with wet hands?
good question. I should have addressed that. The natural sealants do not, and the Kelly actually makes it even grippier. The Poly is slippier, if u can measure it with an instrument. It is visibly more slippery. That said, I have never once felt the rod slipping out of my hands, except in the winter when I am fishing with thick gloves. But all my rods are sealed and i didn't have natural cork to compare, and probably natural cork would slip too, when with gloves. As far as fishing in the summer, i promise you none of these will slip.
@@ifishcatfish
Thank you so much looks like I will be going with your recommendation.
Very informative; thank you
Good review. Like the U40 Finnish the best. Followed by the pure Polly. Have you ever heard of using boiled linseed oil? It's great for wood. I'm experimenting with it. It might be good for the cork, but no sealing properties. Oh, U-40! ☺
i have and it would be great to treat the cork with linseed oil first, to get the pretty color, and THEN seal it with Poly! That would look hot.
Great tips on rod maintenance with U-40.
The only thing I didn’t like about the U40 was that after application you lose the feel and tackiness. Makes it feel hard and slightly slick. There always a trade off.
Does the regular polyurethane do that to.
I think I need some U-40 or some poly to seal mine up before they crack. Great content in this video.
Thanks for posting an awesome video. Just bought a Fenwick HMG travel spinning rod and I am planning on applying minwax polyurethane in a satin finish (to avoid the overly glossy look).
How long do you wait between coats? Should I let it dry then reapply, or just go over the rod three times and let it dry?
Your rods look fantastic and can't wait to give this a try, hate when the cork starts cracking.
yeah, i have satin too. You can additionally touch it with very fine sandpaper after you are done with poly, just to make sure it has some texture.
As for layers - just read instruction on the label, because every one is different. I do a layer and leave it in garage, and next day i do another one. If I see drops of poly, i will touch those with sandpaper. You can even put stain if you want, but i love the yellowish look of simple poly. Looks like a well aged old wood.
Is the MINWAX Polyurethane that you use and recommend water based or oil based?
@@jakenoack6702 both work fine but oil based looks nicer. Matte finish
Great Video! U40
Great vid. Never thought about sealing the cork. I always just clean my handles with old sock with 91% isopropyl alcohol. Works great and takes 3 or 4 minutes to do. The original Poly looks the best to me. I will have to inspect my cork handles for filler. I have two old Eagle Claw cork handle rods from when I was in high school in 1975. They are still in great shape and they are my most used rods. My buddy always says"Take care of your S**t and your S**t will take care of you"!
There is no need for isopropyl alcohol. It is actually not a good solvent. Also has no sealing properties, so fish slime will stick pretty good. The best solvent of dirt is dish detergent, and it is also very safe and readily available, but you probably have poly in your house left over from some project. Try one of the rods, just one, and you will do the rest of them : )
@@ifishcatfish I am definitely considering it. Thanx
U-40 6.95 on Tackle Warehouse. Even less if you are a veteran.
Now if you a gallon for garage thats a different thing.
U40 offers very little protection from rain or physical disintegration. Your handle WILL develop holes in a year or so, if U40 is all u use. Even if you use your rod gently.
Informative video!
Try using danish oil....after 2 seal coats you dont need any polyurethane or any other sealer.....tight lines
oils make cork look beautiful but cant replace poly. I usually fill the holes with wood filler before i seal them. Oil cannot hold that
good job
thank you sir1
Are those water or oil base.. awesome videos
Back then there was only oil. But water will work good too. But oil looks nicer when it ages
Hello my friend! I just subscribed to your channel. Your video showed up in my recommended videos, so there is some feedback you may be glad to know! I do a lot of rod building and other fishing related videos myself. I really liked your tip on the makeup sponges, I can see a lot of potential applications for those in rod building! I have been trying out a product for potential use for a cork sealant and I will probably be doing a video on that in the near future. When I do, I'm going to mention your channel and the tip on the sponges and hopefully send some people your way to subscribe. Take care and keep up the good work!
Thank you sir! Looking forward to it!
How you remove u 40 or Kelly’ s. They strip off and feel glued during the rain
i have never removed them... Maybe sand gently, fill the holes with wood filler, and just seal it with poly. That never falls
What do recommend? Ik this video is old but i want to protect the cork handles on my new concrete tools. Looking mostly for protection from UV rays, chipping and cracking and be okay with coming into contact with water. Any recommendations? Thanks man! How does the Miniwax do in wet/ sweaty conditions?
minwax is best
will polyurethane peel off? is that fixable if it peel off from cork handles or it will destroy cork whence it start to peel off.?
I dont think you should use polyurethane. You sound a little crazy. You need to use something less dangerous.
How about the texture? Are the poly rods slippery, especially when wet? Does the Kelly's rod get sticky, especially when wet?
Kelly is not sticky from one layer. If you try more layers it can get sticky. Poly doesn't get sticky no matter how many layers. It's not slippery either. It would take a lot of sanding with fine sandpaper to make it slippery. Honestly, when cork gets wet it feels kind of yucky too, and this is much better.
@@ifishcatfish thank you. I just got into gly fishing. First cork rod handle I've had. Was actually looking at all 3 products u used,not the marine poly. Any recs on restoring cork? Just use wood filler?
@@danielhedrick9917 if you restoring cork you MUST use poly after u done. Nothing else will hold the wood filler
Yeah I'd like to try some of that U 40 I've got four older tangling with catfish rods and still has the plastic on there it comes with it but I would like to see what so I would like to try that stuff thanks
i recommend buying wood filler, and fill he holes first. Then seal it with Poly. Watch the whole video if u haven't. U can make those cork handles look better than new if u follow my advice. Clean them real good, fill all holes with wood filler, then seal with poly
I would add that if you wanted to clean your corks before applying any sealant, should be cleaned with Mr Cleans Magic Eraser bars, that thing is amazing!
i bought this after someone else recommended it. I have to admit it works great, but it has to have some common cleaning solution used in other cleaners, there is no other way.. : ) I think you should be fine with dishwashing liquid and a sponge : )
Just bought a rod and it is sealed with some type of Poly. I don't really care for it. How would you remove it and get back to cork?
I would like to seal with u-40...
Could you use 1 coat of poly to darken it then use the cork sealer ontop for some grip?
poly feels the best, in my opinion. People keep saying plastic but thats just false. Try it and you will see. When poly dries, the film is so thin that it does not change the feel at all. Maybe a little, but for the better.
I watch your Fishing Videos...Even if you're knot katchin' anything. I no longer have any synthetic handles...they are all cork & I have knot done anything to them...So do I sand & seal + per your recommendation do I use the U-40 or the regular poly...one I can get today the other I order...Also will they be Slippery with either sealant...I'm looking for a project & I need to spend some money....Sea Ya!!
I have never sanded by handles, but I seal them brand new, so i dont have to. If yours are dirty, i would wash them first with dish detergent and a sponge, and if they are still dirty, i would VERY GENTLY sand them. NEXT, if you are gona do this to all rods, - buy some wood filler. It is only a couple of bucks. It is the same color as wood. FILL ALL HOLES before sealing them! If u clean them good and fill the holes and then go with regular Poly, i promise they will look BETTER than new! As far as slippery - don't worry about that. Techincally, they might be a little more slippery, but in practice I have never felt my rod being slippery. Most of the time u hold the reel seat where there is no cork anyway. BUT. If you DO FEEL it is slippery, get some sandpaper, and very gently roughen the Poly to your preferred texture. It will still be sealed, even if u sand after application. Send me pictures to ifishcatfish@gmail.com when u done. I know u will do a great job. Don't do all of them at once. Do one - see how it goes, then do the next...
@@ifishcatfish I just pulled the rods off the boat & the handles look like crap...so I lightly sanded them & they are smooth enough for me & the question about a slick butt doesn't matter...because without the sealant they are slick from the oils on my hand...so I'm off to Lowes for the regular poly...Thanks for the info....Now go catch some fish!!
Hey i did my rods with the poly. Turned out beautiful. Have a question though. How do u deal with the slippery-ness??
They dont get slippery, unless u put too many layers. It has its iwn texture that is harder than cork. I have not had problems w slipperiness
@@ifishcatfish i might have put too many layers then😅😅😅
one layers is enough man, maybe 2 if your poly is thin. If you want to make it rougher, you can gently touch it with some rough sandpaper
@@ifishcatfish thanks for the tips about the sandpaper. Will try it out. What grit do u recommend?
Question. I just ordered the U40 and was wondering if you use it on the rubberized cork like on the butt on the rods? Or do you just do it on the natural cork on the handle?
U40 is so light.. u can use it on anything and wont make a big difference. If u think of polyU, then i would only do the cork. But U40 is like water, very light
@@ifishcatfish Great thank you.
Out of All the sealer on your rods which one is holding up today I had a buddy he put that glue that you put on your guides on your rods it’s Real shiny and when you get it wet it won’t slip off your hands it has a good grip but he passed away and I don’t know anybody does it anymore
they all hold because i am super gentle with my tackle. But I only use Poly now. Don't even bother with the other ones..
Do you sand between coats? I’m guessing so, but just curious. Trying this for myself for the first time today.
No, i don't. Unless u have like a drop or some meaningful imperfection. Also if u sand very thin u can make it too glossy
Nice informative video.
thank you sir
Maybe you can help with my cork problem, I fish on the beach and I used PVC rod holder, my problem is the PVC will damage the bottom part of my cork, is there a wrap I can use or will the poly help with this?
The poly will help with sand and will look nicer, but i don't think it will prevent damage from such big force. You need to make the edges on your PVC soft.
Also, they sell these rubber shrink sleeves. They are super cheap on ebay. Buy some and put it on top of the cork and heat shrink it. That will give u most protections, and when u cut it, you can tear it and replace it with new. You don't use glue and it comes off with no wear to your cork handle.
@@ifishcatfish Thanks👍
@@ifishcatfish Thanks👍
@@langstonrowe8243 Non Slip Heat Shrink tubing on eBay
@@johnrhodes3350 Thanks👍
Great comparison and info. Two rods arrived this afternoon and one has pristine plastic covered cork that deserves sealing. It's an alleged upgrade to the most expensive catfish specific rod I purchased in the early 1990's. Quite a few subtle differences in side by side comparison and while the original has much character the new companion is shiny and new and I'd prefer to keep it close to that! Curious if you've used the poly on old, worn cork? (and results)
maybe very early on... You can buy wood filler and fill the cracks first. Then hit it with 3 layers of poly. Will look shiny and better than new.
@@ifishcatfish Been checking videos and that looks like a solid option. I love my weathered old workhorse but I'd love to pass it down than see her deteriorate to garage sale junk when I pass. Spent too much money but still making memories! Thanks!
Do the rod corks that were finished in the regular Minwax get slippery when wet?
probably a little... but u don't really hold the cork.. u hold the reel seat. Definitely no issue in the summer. In the winter, if u have gloves, might be an issue
So would you rather poly vs expoxy (let’s say flex coat or pro Kote. It’s what they use for guides. What are your thoughts?
epoxy? Here?? i dont know much about rod building but puting any kind of epoxy here will completely destroy the feel of the hand. Even poly i only put one layer on expensive rods. On cheaper rods i will go 2
@@ifishcatfish sounds good. I just have a couple cheap ones I was going to experiment on. Ice rod building is all I get into. Guys will seal cork with lazer engraving or something special to them. Different application obviously so I figured I’d ask. Appreciate your time!
@@ifishcatfish I found the trick. U40 until it doesn’t absorb anymore. On cheap rods it can be more than one coat depending on the filler, cheap scheels rods. Then a coat of poly. Just finishing up my 8th. Looks and feels incredible. No tacky feel but also grippy
@@braxtonsmith3892 if u end up with poly it doesnt matter what u put under. U will only be touching the poly. Might as well save ur money on u40
Thanks for the video. After watching i decided to go with polyurethane. Got minwax warm semigloss.
I put on a good first coat, waited about 5 hours and sanded lightly, tyen a light second coat. The mext morning a light 3rd coat then in the evening a light sanding and 4th coat.
I think i may sand then again and do a satin or matte layer to give it some texture and grip. The semi-gloss is a bit too smooth and slick.
The cork does look absolutely amazing. Looks like a very well kept vintage cork even though it's brand new.
you put too many coats but i know the temptation. One or two coats still preserve the underlying texture. Also don't sand unless very smooth already, sanding additionally removes texture. If you do it again do just two coats with nothing. Its very easy and looks and feels great
Nice job! Thanks
Thank you too!
How about an update on the cork handles now? How's the sealant holding up?
This video was made after years experimenting with them. I don't bother with the fancy stuff any more, only polyurethane
i_fish I looked into no wax like you mentioned. I found they are water based now compared to your can. Will that be fine or look for oil base poly? I did find another brand that was oil based.
PolyU will offer best protection, if thats what u looking for. It's not all about protection. Its also look and feel. I discussed these in the video. U have to decide yourself. Poly offerst best protection but is kind of shiny
@@ifishcatfish I understand. I am asking if I should get the water based version or oil based version? :)
Water is safer, oil is stronger. Up to u.
first haha i can tell it’s going to be a good video
How long will the polyurethane last before or starts cracking and peeling?
I don't have a single rod where that has happened. And i put Poly on everything now, even $300 JDM rods.
awesome bro!!!!
How long do you have to wait for the u 40 or polyurethane to dry on the cork? How many rods average can you seal with one bottle of U 40?
Poly dries in a couple of hours in the summer. The other stuff I wait one day. I gave the bottle away before I used it, but I don't think you have enough rods to use the whole bottle. I would guess at least 100.
@@ifishcatfish you stated 3 coats of regular poly for older look. Do you sand after each application.
I dont but u can. Will make it shiny like glass. If u want that look u can do it
basically any clear lacquer type poly works
well.. i dont know about that.. but i believe U40 is not a fishing product. It is made for something else, and someone is selling it to fishermen
Awesome! Thankd for the tip
What is the type of handgrip is called?
Not sure what u r talking about. Give me time stamp
Maybe
Non Slip Heat Shrink tubing
U40, Love your vids!
Love you too ❤️😂! .... U-40! 👍
hehehe : )
youtube is so much fun... all the friends i was missing irl
Excellent. Valuable! Thanks man. You got good stuff. Liked. The best is to use high quality cork that does not require sealer - but of course, you can't find this on most production rods. Few things on a fishing rod is as beautiful as super high grade cork with minimal defects.
i have seen several $300 JDM rods so far, and they all require sealer. They all have cork fill. I honestly doubt that such cork even exists..
@@ifishcatfish I've had multiple JDM rods that I tested and pass on, never any with cork grips unfortunately. However, as to whether those cork even exist, yes they do. I have lots of them and built many custom grip and never once used filler. They are beautiful. The highest grade of cork is called 'Flor' but even amongst flor grades, there is variance. I basically use only the best stuff I can find. Like I said, beautiful stuff. I even visited a sports equipment manufacturer's factory as they use lots of cork. He buys corks in large sheets from portugal still not cut into rings or squares and I saw him cut it into smaller pieces. It is really something to see. It is surprising how low quality manufacturers are willing to use to save $.
Yeah, right. Whatever.
I was talking about real world. If you can tell me a rod at ANY price that has cork without filler, TELL ME, and i will find someone who has it to check this for me. I am only interested in real world.
@@ifishcatfish OK, my friend. I am not sure why you seem often offended by dialogue that may expand the range of things to consider. This has happened a number of times when I was simply posting my own observations and experiences with any sense of debate or trying to prove you wrong. I won't post further on your channel then. What I posted is so basic really regarding high grade cork. There are high end JDM rods that I am quite sure do not use fillers as there are some serious commercial builds that are on par with custom builders. The cork I buy and build on is 'real world' as I have a lot of them - they are not unicorn hair or phoenix feathers. The JDM rods are 'real world'. And custom builders are 'real world'. To limit what is 'real world' only to your own experience is very limiting, it seems. I just fished with those filler free rods yesterday so they are as real as can be. The whole point of an online community seem to be to consider each others' comments as plausibly valid to expand our understanding. (i.e. micro guides vs regular guides casting distance) I don't know you personally but you seem to have some type of ego going on where alternative perspectives seem to be a threat or something. Perhaps you feel that you need to be the highest authority on your statements. I don't know, but do wish you well in your channel. If so, it is your channel and I will respect that. I assure you that I will no longer be an irritant to you on your channel. Thanks again for all the postings. I do find them helpful and am grateful. ps: If you want to see examples, you can just find them on youtube if you just do some searches. No need to even leave the comfort of your home.
I consider everything. Almost everything i own is a subscriber suggestion, and i give them credit in my videos. I even asked you - TELL ME the rod, any price, that uses cork without filler. You go on this long rant which i did not even read. Instead of a 200 word rant, all you had to do is tell me 'Graphite Leader Alpha Zero'. This is how people give me suggestions. Tell me the product! Instead you always talk about these imaginary products that only you have seen. Honestly, i think you are a little crazy. If you want people to take you seriously, you need to talk about real world only, not whats in your head. Now go find some channel that is up to your standards. Farewell.
Like 4
Great video my friend
And great give away
I like your videos