Finishing Micarta

[Travis Talboys]

I have a set of canvas micarta scales I'm working on, and am curious if they need to be sealed with anything. I sanded them to 320. I didn't want to loose the grippiness. After sanding, the scales have a dull appearance. Is there something I can apply to improve the looks?

Thanks in advance,
Travis

 

[Hengelo_77]

Just hand sand as high as you like.
You can leave it grippy at 320 or sand it as high and shiny as you like.
Or hand sand high and shiny to see what it looks like and sand down with 400 to get it dull and grippy again

 

[JamesBro]

I have a set of canvas micarta scales I'm working on, and am curious if they need to be sealed with anything. I sanded them to 320. I didn't want to loose the grippiness. After sanding, the scales have a dull appearance. Is there something I can apply to improve the looks?

Thanks in advance,
Travis

No

 

[tkroenlein]

Yes. Once you get the uniform 320 finish, clean with alcohol, and use a wood finish like Teak Oil (my preference.) I just use a few drops and rub it until it's basically dry.

 

[Signalprick]

320 then Oil. Any oil will work. When your seeing "grippy" micarta usually it's been sand blasted to finish.

 

[Travis Talboys]

Thanks guys. I ended up using a little bit of danish oil. They look much better now.

 

[Storm W]

I have used a worn fine scotch Brite with white compound to buff for a polished finish. It isn't perfect but works better than it should.

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

When your seeing "grippy" micarta usually it's been sand blasted to finish.

Is there a way to acheive good grippiness finishing by hand? Like hand sanding at 320 grit as OP did?

 

[Hengelo_77]

320 will give a grippy finish.
Just go up the grit sizes and stop hoe smooth/grippy you like it.

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

320 will give a grippy finish.
Just go up the grit sizes and stop hoe smooth/grippy you like it.

I'll give it a shot. Thank you!

 

[Scaniaman]

I think anything above 220 is pretty smooth.
But even shiny, micarta has a nice tacky grippy feel.
I now finish to P600, then buff with brown tripoli. That brings out the color. After that a finishing compound for extra color and shine.

 

[AlongTheRazorsEdge]

If anyone is familiar with the BK/KABAR add on micarta scales or TOPS or Condor micarta, thats what I'm going for in regards to finish; matte and grippy. I'm guessing they blast them? They certainly have the resources to do so.

 

[TheEdge01]

I have found that renaissance wax really makes micarta pop without darkening it.