Cork Cleaning...(It's Been Discussed But I Also Have Adhd) 2024

G_money reply :

ha.

But no seriously. I've got some high dollar customs that I'm going to do a thorough cleaning, filling, sanding, and possibly sealing on...not sure on the sealing part yet.

So here we go: I know this has been on the forum before but I wasn't paying attention at the time.

I bought some Simple Green to clean the cork with

picked up some Elmers Wood Filler

I should have fine grit sand paper around here somewhere...how fine do I need to go?

The sealer is the part I forgot what people were using on cork...? And does it make your cork feel hard or slick? I'm trying to decide if I should seal it or not...

Thanks guys

Bluebasser86 reply :

Not sure how thorough you're planning on doing but a Magic Eraser makes dirty cork look like new again.

G_money reply :

On 1/20/2013 at 2:44 PM, Bluebasser86 said:
Not sure how thorough you're planning on doing but a Magic Eraser makes dirty cork look like new again.

I saw that stuff at the hardware store and thought about it, but didn't know how much use I would get out of the two sponges it comes with. and I had heard Simple Green mentioned before by a few people, so I bought it. Now I'm wondering if I should just try the majic eraser...

I don't want to get too aggressive with the cleaning and create pits in the cork.

Bluebasser86 reply :

On 1/20/2013 at 2:48 PM, flash said:
I saw that stuff at the hardware store and thought about it, but didn't know how much use I would get out of the two sponges it comes with. and I had heard Simple Green mentioned before by a few people, so I bought it. Now I'm wondering if I should just try the majic eraser...
I don't want to get too aggressive with the cleaning and create pits in the cork.

You can get a pack of Wal Mart brand Magic Erasers for a couple bucks and one sponge will do a few rods as long as they aren't too dirty.

Phranchise1213 reply :

Isopropyl Alcohol works for me. Didnt like the magic erasers because of the little sponge pieces that fall off and stick to the cork as you scrub. I have heard baby wipes do a good job too and smell kinda nice

roadwarrior reply :

Try the Magic Eraser first, it's probably all you need.

jhoffman reply :

I clean my cork handles with dawn and an old tooth brush

tugsandpulls reply :

magic eraser works like magic ( really )

J Francho reply :

Anyone that uses the Magic Eraser will likely never go back to any other method. Seriously.

For sanding, 220g is fine. Mask off and reels seats, winding checks, etc.

Seal with U-40 Cork Sealer. One coat is plenty.

roadwarrior reply :

I haven't used the U-40 sealer, should I?

ww2farmer reply :

I use the magic eraser. Simple, easy, and makes them like new again. I used one pad for 9 rod handles the other day, rinse it out between rods, and it could keep going.

.RM. reply :

On 1/20/2013 at 11:09 PM, J Francho said:
Anyone that uses the Magic Eraser will likely never go back to any other method. Seriously.

For sanding, 220g is fine. Mask off and reels seats, winding checks, etc.

Seal with U-40 Cork Sealer. One coat is plenty.

X2 every time I clean my grip/s I re-seal. I re-clean about every two seasons....

J Francho reply :

I'd say two season's worth is pretty accurate. This is a rod that sits out in the elements on my deck, or in my hand practically all season. I sealed it new, about two years ago.

.RM. reply :

Yup thats about right. Like to use denatured and a course cotton cloth, plus elbow grease.

Using that I don't change the shape or have to wait for it to dry.

It will lift most if not all of the U-40 but that's ok cause a jar last a good long time.....

Tight Lines!

jignfule reply :

On 1/20/2013 at 2:44 PM, Bluebasser86 said:
Not sure how thorough you're planning on doing but a Magic Eraser makes dirty cork look like new again.

Darren. reply :

The Magic Eraser would have been good. Just had two tip tops replaced (today) on my Compres and it was suggested to me to clean the cork for longevity, etc.

Used low-odor mineral spirits to clean the cork. Worked great. Then applied coat of U-40 with a toothbrush. Soaked in as expected, quite pleased so far.

tholmes reply :

+ 1,000 on the Magic Eraser and U-40.

All you need.

Tom

Crookedneck reply :

Not to hi-jack a thread but, high end rods I recommend a good cleaning a couple times a season. If you stay on top of it it can be as easy as warm water and dish soap. Most people do maintenance on their reels, do it on your rods too! Do a once over on your guides. 5 minutes of prevention can prevent failure on the water.

I believe the color of the wood filler for cork is golden oak....I'll have to double check in the morning

Crestliner2008 reply :

On 1/21/2013 at 12:01 AM, roadwarrior said:
I haven't used the U-40 sealer, should I?

Definitely! It reduces the dirt build up on cork between cleanings. Magic Eraser & U-40 once a season works for me.

bassin is addicting reply :

magic eraser and u-40 is the ticket. just one coat of the u-40 is all you need at a time. any more will not soak in.

i actually cut the erasers into 1/3's to get the most out of each. i could clean at least 2 rods with each 1/3. they look brand new

38 Super Fan reply :

U40 is cheap too, $7 shipped on eBay for 2oz, and that's enough to last a long time.

MarkH024 reply :

Does the U-40 make it slick or does it maintain the natural cork feel? Definitely interested in getting some of this as a few of mine are in desperate need.

J Francho reply :

One coat just absorbs in the wood, and isn't slippery at all.

Darren. reply :

How long does the UV-40 last generally?

This is the first time I've cleaned my rods, so just curious if it is a seasonal or whenever they dirty up thing.

Whoops, I think J Francho answered that already, sorry. About 2 seasons....

Edited January 29, 2013 by DarrenM

Alpster reply :

Rubbing alchohol and a stiff tooth brush makes natural and synthetic cork look like new. RU40 is a grip saver as others have already posted. Between hard scub cleanings I carry the little alchohol wipes like the nurse cleans your arm/butt with before a needle injection. A quick wipe gets fish slime and boat grime off every trip. They are very inexpensive and I use them for everything. JMHO

Ronnie

J Francho reply :

Alcohol wipes are a good thing to have in the boat anyway, with all the little pokes and scratches you get in a day of fishing. It's good to have something to clean a wound with.

MarkH024 reply :

From what I see, Cabelas is the only place that carries this stuff. Does anyone know of another retailer that sells it? Google only showed Cabelas and Ebay. I'll check the local Cabelas the next time i'm there. Just so happens that whenever I "need" something, they never have it. So I end up buying $50 worth of lures instead.

kickerfish1 reply :

On 2/19/2013 at 9:37 AM, MarkH024 said:
From what I see, Cabelas is the only place that carries this stuff. Does anyone know of another retailer that sells it? Google only showed Cabelas and Ebay. I'll check the local Cabelas the next time i'm there. Just so happens that whenever I "need" something, they never have it. So I end up buying $50 worth of lures instead.

Assuming you are referring to the U40 cork sealant? ... if so TheTackleTrap carries the product for $5.99.

MarkH024 reply :

On 2/19/2013 at 11:49 AM, kickerfish1 said:
Assuming you are referring to the U40 cork sealant? ... if so TheTackleTrap carries the product for $5.99.

I was. Thank you for the referal.

bassh8er reply :

What do you apply the sealer with?

Darren. reply :

On 3/8/2013 at 9:01 AM, bassh8er said:
What do you apply the sealer with?

Can do it with an old toothbrush (what a rod builder told me, and what I use).

HookSetDon reply :

would a retail store sell this u-40 sealer? or a specialized hardware store?

Purchasing online and shipping to Canada can be a headache. I have some rods that need some TLC. Thanks

Darren. reply :

On 3/8/2013 at 11:05 AM, HookSetDon said:
would a retail store sell this u-40 sealer? or a specialized hardware store?

Purchasing online and shipping to Canada can be a headache. I have some rods that need some TLC. Thanks

I found mine at a local tackle shop where they happen to build/repair rods. If you have anything like that around you, may be a good place to check. Otherwise you may have to order online....

bassh8er reply :

Yup. This product is the only reason I'll go to Cabela's

kickerfish1 reply :

On 3/8/2013 at 9:01 AM, bassh8er said:
What do you apply the sealer with?

Any standard size paint brush will work fine that one would use to paint with watercolors. One small note is that you don't want to get the sealer on the blank or the "non-cork" portion of the rod. If you do wipe off with a towel or papertowel.

I did around 30 rods with it and have well over a a 1/2 bottle left.

rockchalk06 reply :

On 1/30/2013 at 2:02 AM, J Francho said:
Alcohol wipes are a good thing to have in the boat anyway, with all the little pokes and scratches you get in a day of fishing. It's good to have something to clean a wound with.

Marry a nurse and she will bring home gobs of those things everyday from work

Crestliner2008 reply :

Netcraft has been carrying U-40 cork sealer for many years. Inexpensive and it goes a long way. I usually just apply it with a folded piece of paper towel.

HookSetDon reply :

Thanks guys

J Francho reply :

On 3/8/2013 at 9:01 AM, bassh8er said:
What do you apply the sealer with?

A small paint brush. Wipe the excess off with a paper towel.

BrettD reply :

Like everyone is saying put 1 very light coat on and thats it. I use a cheap foam paint brush from home depot for like 50 cents.

BassWhole! reply :

You know they used to cover perfectly good couches with plastic back in the 60s...

OkobojiEagle reply :

I look at the grime as a pretty good cork preservative. When it starts to get sticky a little soapy water, a soft cloth and back to fishing.

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Cork Cleaning...(It's Been Discussed But I Also Have Adhd) 2024

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