restoring cork rod handles

[Walleyeman]

What kind of chemicals can be used to restore the original coloring to cork handles.

[Heavy Duty]

Wally,

I have used a mixture of water and Bleach such as clorox works real good with rag.

[Ed]

I have used softsoap with excellent results.

[Reels]

I use very light (Fine grit black) sandpaper. They look brand new when done. Just go over very lightly.

I dont like to use chemicals because when it rains, it seems to have traces come back out and they get slippery and stink.

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[BD]

Dish washing liquid or shampoo. Put some in a couple of inches of water in the tub and let your rods soak for a few minutes. This will take the oil from your hands, scent of whatever else got on there etc. and wash it away.

[REW]

Generally, all you need is hand dish washing soap and a tooth brush. Scrub the handles with the soap and tooth brush, rinse, and you are good to go with the color restored. Most color discoloration is simply due to dirt.

Wash it away - and the color is back.

Take care
REW

[Fish whip guy]

After you sand or clean the cork, you might want to seal the cork with some U-40 Cork Seal or simular product. This will help keep the cork cleaner and last longer. I seal the cork on all the rod i build and the costomers like it. THINK SPRING!!

[bosbar]

The easiest thing I've found is rubbing alcohol. Just pour some on a rag and wipe the black dirt right off. No mess and nothing to rinse off.

[CornyI]

I use Rubbing alcohol just like bosbar for years
works real good.

take a kid fishing

CORNY

[lost sailor]

i use soft-scrub and a sponge , the cork handle comes out perfect.
i'd be careful with sand paper, it's very easy to over sand cork and alter the shape of the handle.
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