Micarta Inlay Color and Cleaning Question

Stumpy72

Stumpy72

Joined
Jul 5, 2018
Messages
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I know CRK natural micarta darkens as time passes. The CRK website says a soap and water washing of the micarta inlays will restore the micarta to its original color (and a run through the spa is option #2). I have one CRK with natural micarta inlays that are between walnut and maroon in color. If I do an organized, ongoing program of periodically washing the inlays, will I have any hope of truly getting them all the way back to their original light color? Or--would I be fighting the inevitable and the only smart thing for me is to just let nature take its course and let the micarta evolve into whatever color it wants? I’d like to get them back to original color again, but if it’s a “Mission: Impossible” scenario I’m not going to bother trying to fight nature.
 
I think, (not real sure) I’ve seen some pics of micarta turning a yellowish color after a few washings. I think it was black micarta. It was a result of the resin/dye on the surface fading. I’ve never washed any of my micarta inlays even though I have a 25 that has turned brownish from being in the pocket sheath and it getting wet. I’m still contemplating a wash to see if it goes back to the black color. My natural micarta Inkosi has also turned a brownish color, but I like it and probably won’t mess with it.
You can try a washing or two to see how long it will last. I’d bet it’s an uphill battle. Of course you could always send it in for new inlays if it gets too ugly for you.
 
Micarta was developed by Westinghouse as a virtually bulletproof electrical insulator that is hydrophobic, structurally tough and resistant to dissolving in oil (used in the oil bath of transformers). Contrary to popular (false) belief it does not absorb moisture or swell. It is specifically designed not to do that (insulating properties). The threads at the very surface will lift when wet and produce the effect people notice of it gaining texture. This is however, only on the very surface.

The black and natural versions CRK uses are identical to the black and natural Westinghouse varieties, though likely made by whatever company took over the rights to make it. You can still buy large sheets of it.

The black colour is in the resin and is right through the inlay. It can’t be washed away.

My black micarta 21 has been washed with soap, isopropyl alcohol, windex, foaming glass cleaner, brake cleaner. The inlays are virtually indestructible. I find windex and alcohol do the best to restore the black to the dusty grey stone-washed look. Scrubbing with the alcohol will reduce the yellowing of the threads.

This stuff is so very tough. It’s almost tougher than the titanium underneath.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micarta
 
kidcongo said:
..... My black micarta 21 has been washed with soap, isopropyl alcohol, windex, foaming glass cleaner, brake cleaner. The inlays are virtually indestructible. I find windex and alcohol do the best to restore the black to the dusty grey stone-washed look. Scrubbing with the alcohol will reduce the yellowing of the threads.....
Click to expand...
I’ve now given my Inkosi inlays three good rub-downs with an isopropyl alcohol-soaked paper towel. The solid walnut/maroon color is now just starting to lighten up, some of the threads are just starting to show and that “dusty” look is just starting to return. It looks like I’m in for more alcohol rub-downs before I get all the way back to anywhere near original condition.
 
Hot water,dawn and a toothbrush has worked on all the Micarta I have ever had.
 
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