Dying the Micarta Handles?

[brians]

Guys,

Can you dye the new micarta handles?

I'd like a darker color, so was wondering if it is possible without ruining the material and, if so, what dye/stain and process you'd recommend?

Thanks for your time,

Brian

 

[Joezilla]

I doubt you would be able to do it. Not a straight dye, but you may be able to paint it? Most micarta is composed of an already cured epoxy. It would probably be hard to embed some kind of dye in it. I bet that you may be able to darken the epoxy with UV light.

 

[Vicarious Reality]

Not much help i guess, but they appear much darker when wet.

How would i cure them with UV?
Leave them in the sun?

 

[blade1981]

eventually they will stain a dark color with use,the micarta absorbs the oil in your hands.

 

[brians]

Thanks guys.

 

[rmc85]

This thread might be worth watching...

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=677129

 

[mbhanzo]

You absolutely can dye micarta handles. You can only go darker and canvas and linen micarta take the dye better than paper and forget about dying G10.

Most black micarta handles either look grey or a sometimes a greenish color when un oiled and clean. The dye will color the exposed fibers and make the handle a more even and uniform color..

Just apply the dye to the handles and wipe the excess off and let dry. You will get a bit of bleeding and color transfer on your hands for a while most likely but this wont last forever and a good coat of floor sealing type wax will pretty much eliminate any transfer.

 

[depusm12]

I was reading about this on one of the knife supply sites. To get micarta canvas darker wash them good with Dawn dishwashing soap, then spray the grips with WD40, then wash them again.