linen micarta finish

[Billbo66]

What is the final step that takes linen micarta from dull and grippy to shiny and smooth? Just curious. Some makers leave it rough, and some finish it like wood.

 

[silver_pilate]

I grind it up to 400 grit and then hand sand it to 600 or 800. Finish it on a buff with white rouge. Then I coat it in Danish oil and let it soak in several coats and buff with a cloth. Makes for a nice smooth finish with some shine.

--nathan

 

[indy]

Rough shape at 80, final at 120. Wet sand up to 400 and let dry. Thin coat of superglue, let dry. Light sand with 400 to get a fully smooth surface. If it's not totally smooth do another coat of superglue. Then buff with white compound. You'll end up with a high gloss. The superglue works the same way clear coat does with car paint, works a treat.

Buffing without the glue steps will make a nice finish, but not as glossy.

Purple denim test piece and about 5 minutes sand/buff time invested. It gets better with actual work.

 

[Salem Straub]

I work it up to about 400 grit and buff w/cutting compound for black linen micarta. Or white compound for lighter colored micarta.