Do you think that some of you unbelieveable craftsmen might be willing to provide some suggestions on handle finishes? What works best, most durable, easiest and hardest to work with, etc. Anything the members of this forum are willing to provide would be appreciated.

Thanks.

With the right application technique, I've found PermaGloss to be an exceptional wood finish. That technique was outlined in a recent article in RodMaker.

The key to any of the moisture curing urethanes is to apply them quickly - very quickly. You can't brush them around or fool with them for more than a very brief period of time.

..............

On wood I use Tru-Oil and on cork I use Cork Seal. On grips with combination of the two I use Tru-Oil.

My vote is for Tru-Oil for cork. I have six year old rods where the handles look as good as new. I've recently done regular thread epoxy with glitter over Tru-Oiled cork ,now in a field testing mode to see how they hold up.

Thread finish protects threads and thinned almost watery and wiping on with a sponge works well on cork. gives it a golden color. Clean the dust off the cork well. After dry sand with a fine pad to dull the shine. if you don't like the shine.

Bill - willierods.com

I've used Lumiseal and it turned out well and has been very durable.

Thanks for all the options gentlemen. Your assistance is appreciated.

I would think the lumiseal and permagloss would be very hard. Finish , take your left over from you mixing cup and even as thick as it is it still is flexible. But over time it may harden. never checked.

Bill - willierods.com