Dying micarta?

[TRfromMT]

Can natural micarta be dyed? Any experience/pointers would be welcome.

I've got a knife with natty micarta inlays in Ti scales I would prefer be black.

Thanks.

 

[SwissHeritageCo]

The only successful micarta dyes I've seen are using rit dye. Black should actually turn out ok but I want to say you have to put it in boiling water (could be wrong).

 

[shinyedges]

I have successfully died micartas a few times with rit dye, the fibers will take the dye but the resin will not. Perhaps rough up the micarta a bit to expose the fibers. Worth doing if you really want to change color. Also, I have always gone black/darker so ymmv with other colors.

 

[Hengelo_77]

Don't dye, it will leave a disappointing result.
Micarta is made to not absorb fluid. The dye will lay on top of the material and wear off

 

[TRfromMT]

Don't dye, it will leave a disappointing result.
Micarta is made to not absorb fluid. The dye will lay on top of the material and wear off

I was suspicious of this. I've heard of G10 being dyed, so I was wondering.

At best it would soak into the cloth weave but not the resin and would come out a muddy brown.

I'm not going to risk that.

 

[115Italian]

What kind of micarta is it? Is it rough or smooth?
I know rough micarta with the fibers exposed will take rit dye with no problem. I can’t speak for smooth polished micarta.

 

[TRfromMT]

Rough.