micarta cleaning??

[Monofletch]

I used my RAT 3 to field dress a doe. :thumbup: How do I get the blood out of the micarta scales? Any helpful hints? I just know it will start to stink in a few days.

 

[phillipsted]

I use the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser myself. Works wonders.

TedP

 

[Keyman]

Rubbing alcohol on a rag or Dawn dish washing detergent and water applied with a scrub brush.

 

[fsatsil]

I use a toothbrush and some dish detergant if its not to dirty and if its really filthy I use this stuff called P21S Total Auto Wash which is safe enough to use on your cars paint but just as strong as Simple Green.

 

[C_Becker]

Hot water and dish washing soap has always worked for me so far.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

As I understand it, Micarta doesn't have any capillary draw, nor is it hygroscopic to any meaningful degree. The fiber of the material used feels good to us because a fresh thin layer of that material is exposed when machined or sanded.

If nothing else, you can always take a bit of sandpaper to it. If you're careful you won't be able to tell that you've done so. You do need to match the grit of paper used to whatever was used initially in order to have a matching finish. That, or just run the paper over all of the exposed surface. It's really not hard at all.

Micarta is awesome stuff! I wish it was used far more frequently.

 

[phillipsted]

As I understand it, Micarta doesn't have any capillary draw, nor is it hygroscopic to any meaningful degree. The fiber of the material used feels good to us because a fresh thin layer of that material is exposed when machined or sanded.

If nothing else, you can always take a bit of sandpaper to it. If you're careful you won't be able to tell that you've done so. You do need to match the grit of paper used to whatever was used initially in order to have a matching finish. That, or just run the paper over all of the exposed surface. It's really not hard at all.

Micarta is awesome stuff! I wish it was used far more frequently.

Concur, Strig. The MILSpec for micarta (phenolic paper, linen, and canvas) and G10 (epoxy glass fiber) specify moisture retention and penetration metrics. G10 absorbs a minimal amount of water after a 24 hour soak - to the tune of 0.01%. Micarta absorbs a little bit more (0.1%), but doesn't penetrate beyond the surface - even after a 24-hour soak.

Basically both are impervious to water.

TedP

 

[Monofletch]

I wasn't sure how far it would absorb. It seemed to suck it up like a sponge. I As I understand it it should only be the top layer?

I washed and used a scotch pad and some dish soap--they seem ok this morning.

 

[Omega Leather Works]

Unless they are a low grade of micarta, which isn't unheard of, but I doubt it in your case, it will only be the exposed fibers that catch and retain moisture.

If it looks and feels fine, you're good.

Edit- the sucking up was capillary draw. It will look like it's sucking up moisture (because our brain is use to this action with sponges, cloth etc...), but it's just distributing the liquid across the visible fibers.

 

[camoninja]

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