How to make G10 colors bright

[roxtar]

I've done a few knives now, each one using micarta or G10 scales.
For my newest one I used a red/black G10. The problem is that the red comes out very muted, not at all as I'm hoping for.
What is the method to making the colors jump out, similar to the blue/black in this pic:

[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Roxtarfab/media/Knife%20Stuff/IMGP5475_zpse8c1a3c9.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[sweet]

Mineral Oil is what I use to make the colors pop out

 

[Overmountain]

Ballistol. Can wipe it on all surfaces... Mineral oil if you are gonna use with food. Can also be wiped on all.
Make sure it is cleanly polished and finished... sometimes the colors can 'smear' so to speak.
Rod and reel cloths, which are silicone lubricated also work... Silicone is in black magic, etc.

 

[roxtar]

Mineral Oil is what I use to make the colors pop out

I tried that and all it did was make everything darker.

 

[jawilder]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to get much brightness out of red G10 as it is semi transparent and will absorb or reflect the dark colors around it. I can get a bright red if using a thick piece of red G10 as a scale but have never gotten any more than maroon if I use it as a liner.

 

[sweet]

I tried that and all it did was make everything darker.

Pics and what brand of mineral oil?

 

[Overmountain]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to get much brightness out of red G10 as it is semi transparent and will absorb or reflect the dark colors around it. I can get a bright red if using a thick piece of red G10 as a scale but have never gotten any more than maroon if I use it as a liner.

I have also noticed the red seems maroon in a liner and it takes a near pink start to have a real red finish...

 

[Huntsman Knife Co. LLC.]

I made a few scales out of red and black g10 but ended up throwing them away. Could never get the color to pop.

 

[roxtar]

That might be the problem. Here is a pic of it right after sanding. This is as light and bright as it gets.
Anything else I do to it; wet sanding, buffing, or oiling, just makes everything darker.
[URL=http://s257.photobucket.com/user/Roxtarfab/media/Knife%20Stuff/002_zps04faae17.jpg.html][/URL]

 

[Overmountain]

I like it. I can see the red, but not overwhelmed by it. Makes a nice looking scale to me... Good looking knife I think...

 

[Big Chris]

I sand to about 1000 grit wet and never get the red to pop out. Like said before I think it is the nature of red/black layered. Red as a liner will glow nicely if thick enough. I usually just run with the subtle look, and do not use a lot of the color combo.

 

[Mudbug007]

Unfortunately I don't think you'll be able to get much brightness out of red G10 as it is semi transparent and will absorb or reflect the dark colors around it. I can get a bright red if using a thick piece of red G10 as a scale but have never gotten any more than maroon if I use it as a liner.

This has been my experience when using Red G10 liners and dark scales. The red just becomes nearly as dark as the scales.

 

[lonepine]

Try some plastic polish after wet sanding to at least 1000 grit. I've used Flitz plastic polish successfully on plastic fake granite.

- Paul Meske