Oil for micarta scales?

Dr Rez

Dr Rez

Pisser of the Couch
Joined
Jun 7, 2012
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Hello all. I just received micarta scales for my BK16. Should I put some oil under them before putting them on? Also would it work in any way like leather to heat them with blow dryer and apply sno-seal (beeswax) to them? (for color and water)
 
I've found that as my hands sweat micarta seems to get tacky. Maybe its just me Don't know, but its a benefit. I'm not sure if you would want to apply anything to stop that.
 
If you want to apply a little oil under them for corrosion protection, that's fine...but not wholly necessary, unless the coating is scratched.

The color will change with use - I don't know that there is any protection against that, as anything you apply to protect it will also darken it. (I have been known to rub some TuffGlide or 3 in 1 oil on new micarta scales to deepen the color. Let it sit, then blot it well to remove any excess. Occasionally, the 3 in 1 will leave them a little slick; but I've never had that last more than one use, especially if the handle is fully exposed after blotting.)
The micarta will be unaffected by water under normal cirumstances, so there is no real need to protect it.
 
On the other hand, if you want to keep your micarta scales from darkening up, every so often just scrub them with rubbing alcohol & a nylon bristle brush, and let them air dry (only takes a few minutes as the alcohol evaporates fast). It will remove the offending oil, and make them look new again, without wearing the finish at all.
 
Don't worry about them getting wet. They can take it without absorbing any significant amount of moisture or coming to harm.
 
One of the seeming advantages of micarta is that it gets grippier as it gets wet.
 
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