Polishing micarta question

S

Sundsvall

Joined
Jun 25, 2002
Messages
1,559
I bought a used knife that has a scuff in the linen micarta handle slab.

I want to polish it out. What grit wet/dry paper should I use?

Should it be wet or dry?

I never worked with micarta before. Any help is appreciated.
 
To polish micarta, usually a 400 grit sand job and a buffing is enough. If you don't have a buffer, go higher on the grits and then as a last step, oil the blade (WD40, mineral oil, whatever. I like mineral oil). Start with 400 grit paper to see if the scuffs disappear. Yes, use it wet. Micarta dust is bad for ya. Wear a mask fo some type, preferably a respirator. SOmetimes I liek to sand micarta under a tap with running water. That will help keep the dust down, and keeps the paper wet!

Good luck
 
What Crayola says. I find the smell of micarta dust pleasant but it is dangerous. If it were mine I would hand sand to 600 grit and buff. The buff is what will bring out the sheen. If you buff with a small width wheel or too fast the buffing compound will tend to dig into the micarta and leave a dip that you will not notice while buffing but will later show like a sore thumb in obtruse light. Use a buffing wheel other than that used for small tools such as Dremel tools and do not leave the buff in one spot for long but rather sweep it across the work so as to keep the work surface level. Be sure to wrap the blade well in cloth so that when the buffer grabs the handle and slings the knife into you it does not damage you too badly, or at all. Buffers can be dangerous, especially with knives.

RL
 
There is a decent thread going on finishing micarta in Steve Johnson's thread right now.
 
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