Mycarta finish.

J

JonGreene

Joined
Aug 6, 2014
Messages
2
This is my first post. I've looked in the archives and didn't see my question covered but its so basic I'm sure it is somewhere. I've been making my own Mycarta out of Fiberglass resin and hardner. Even with fine sanding and buffing I'm not getting the shine that I'd like. What finishes are used on top of Mycarta like materials, ca glue? And lastly, does clear epoxy resin polish up better? Thanks, I've learned a lot from just lurking, it's time to come out.

Jon
 
I take it to a high grit paper, then power buff with white (for plastics) compound. I use burlap mostly, and dye so maybe the large surface area (as opposed to a higher concentration of fabric in the denim or other stuff) of the resin plays a role in the ability to polish.

I got a bad reaction using ca when I tried it. Not sure why.

After polishing shoot it with a light spray of wd40 if you like.
 
Alpha Knife Supply website says:

Finishing Tips:
When you sand composites the layers look similar to wood grain. When you are finished sanding the handle may look chalky or dull. If you want the orginal color:
1) Wash the handle thoroughly with Dawn dish soap
2) Spray the handle with WD-40
3) Wash the handle with Dawn again
 
The fiberglass resin, home brew micarta didn't work that great for me. I mean it functions okay but the finish isn't that great and it sometimes develops a powdery layer on it which I think is the adhesive breaking down. I've since got a bunch of real micarta(phenolic resin sheets) and it has been great.

In terms of finish if you take it up the grit chain to finer grits you will get a smoother surface. Then you can buff it with compounds and shine it up. I personally like to use a VERY coarse(36 grit) it as it makes for an awesome grippy handle.
 
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