micarta sebenzas; can they get wet?

[CrimsonTideShooter]

Doesnt micarta absorb water? If so, it should let water into the material and with enough moisture into the tape.
Not that it matters that VHB tape is not affected by water last I checked.

Micarta doesn't absorb anything, period.

There was a thread here where a guy soaked some micarta handles in gasoline over night, then set them on fire. The surface gasoline burned off, then it went out. Scales were un harmed.

They can't actually absorb anything, only the very surface is exposed, so only it can get wet.

Micarta (a brand name, actually) is a phenolic laminate. It's just about impervious to everything known to man.

 

[JNewell]

The micarta will absorb some water, but it only absorbs a very, very small amount of moisture near the surface. The "plastic" is waterproof but the exposed ends of the natural material (canvas, linen, paper to a lesser degree) will absorb some water. This is why micarta gets a little more "grippy" when it's wet. In any case, you sort of answered your own question, since the tape is waterproof.

If you soak it in acetone or some other organic solvent, I would guess you could weaken the bond significantly, but that's not going to be something you'd be doing in real world use.

Doesnt micarta absorb water? If so, it should let water into the material and with enough moisture into the tape.
Not that it matters that VHB tape is not affected by water last I checked.

 

[RubiconSS]

Same type of stuff that holds on the trim on the outside of your car not to mention the wind/rain deflectors people put on their car door windows ALL get wet and are exposed to wind forces.
I know you asked about the Micarta getting wet but then alluded to the adhesive tape. No worries.

 

[CrimsonTideShooter]

The micarta will absorb some water, but it only absorbs a very, very small amount of moisture near the surface. The "plastic" is waterproof but the exposed ends of the natural material (canvas, linen, paper to a lesser degree) will absorb some water. This is why micarta gets a little more "grippy" when it's wet. In any case, you sort of answered your own question, since the tape is waterproof.

If you soak it in acetone or some other organic solvent, I would guess you could weaken the bond significantly, but that's not going to be something you'd be doing in real world use.

It can get wet, but it doesn't actually "absorb" anything - if you are using the word how it's meant to be used.

 

[JNewell]

It can get wet, but it doesn't actually "absorb" anything - if you are using the word how it's meant to be used.

I am (see below), and it does. Even G10 does - or you would not see examples of RIT-dyed G10. The dye is absorbed, not a surface coat like paint.

ab·sorb /əbˈzôrb/
Verb:
Take in or soak up (energy, or a liquid or other substance) by chemical or physical action, typically gradually.
Take in and assimilate (information, ideas, or experience).

 

[MikeyD]

I like the look of dirty micarta just saying.

 

[nyefmaker]

CRK uses a double sided 3M tape to attach the inlays to the Ti slabs. When I worked in my relatives Trophy Shop for 11 years when I was younger, we used this same 3M double sided tape to attach the name plates to the trophies, plaques, etc. The tape is pretty expensive and is used for industrial applications ( not something you can buy at wal-mart ). In all those years working there, when we had to remove a plate for some reason, you would pull the finish off the particle board plaques, you would actually pull the wood fibers out of the real walnut plaques. It would even rip layers of plastic off the plastic bases we used for the trophies. I also used some to attach side trim to a chevy blazer my dad had painted. He sold it to his friend, one who never washed his vehicles. He drove that blazer for aprox. 10 years and the trim never came off..........This stuff is TOUGH. The key is to make sure its pressed on tightly, after that, its not coming off. CRK uses an arbor press to press down on the inlays when attaching them to the Ti slabs. So don't ever expect it to come off, even when wet, washed, dropped, etc.

 

[Luis G.]

VHB tape is very strong, and nyef is 100% correct if you attempt to remove something that was glued unto wood, it will rip the wood fibers right out of the block.

My brother and his friend removed a metal plaque from a custom dashboard some years ago. It was adhered with the 3M tape by my brothers friend. Needless to say we were very upset.

 

[Ken44]

I am (see below), and it does.

This is correct...... Micarta does absorb. That is a fact.

Micarta will even absorb oils from your hand after a day or two of handling the knife. Its not just on the surface, but goes a little below it.

 

[Luis G.]

This is correct...... Micarta does absorb. That is a fact.

Micarta will even absorb oils from your hand after a day or two of handling the knife. Its not just on the surface, but goes a little below it.

This is more in line from what I hear from manufacturers, unless maybe CRK uses considerably more dense Micarta, from my understanding the lower density (gaps etc) are what cause it to absorb water, blood, and oils.

 

[killerloop]

Would rubbing a dry candle over the layer of micarta "wax" and improve water resistance? Just like on canvas shoes?

 

[CPP]

if water harms neither the Micarta or the tape holding it in place why would water resistance be an issue? Thanks for reviving this thread this has been a lingering question for me that has now been conclusively resolved.

 

[killerloop]

why would water resistance be an issue?

My intention was 2 folds, preventing harm and trying to care to the micarta and the adhesive (which doesnt seem to be a problem), but I was just curious on water resistance with the candle trick so that whenever there is contact with liquids the micarta doesnt turn dark (where there is contact with liquid). Although as many have stated eventually it will go back to its natural color once it has completely dried out.