Polishing Micarta?

[UW Mitch]

I was wondering if anyone could recommend a method of polishing micarta. I plan to sand from 120-600 grit, and then buff. But I don't know what kind of compound I can use on linen micarta.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Mitch

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[Ray Murski]

I use green chrome on a 3400 rpm hard buff. Other compounds will also work. Micarta is easy to polish. Oiling the micarta after the 600 grit sanding makes a nice finish.

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Ray Murski
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[R Dockrell]

I use white compound on a unstitched buff. I run it on my drill press second from slowest speed whatever that is. Be carfull using colored compounds on light colored handle materials even micarta as it can get into pores and discolor it.

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Robert
Flat Land Knife Works
rdblad@telusplanet.net
http://members.tripod.com/knifeworks/index.html

 

[Crayola]

If using white micarta (and I'm sure the other lighter colored ones) put tape on all brass surfaces. When buffing you'll get black gunk on the micarta from the brass if you don't. I am not sure if this is the same case with nickel silver and stainless steel as well. I read a post earlier that said if you do get the black crud, you can clean it off with water and dish soap or something like that. Search the archives on micarta for this tip.

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[Jerry Hossom]

I use white compound on an 1800 rpm loose buff. It works fine. To remove scratches, you just need to lean into it a little. I do my finish sanding (before buffing) with 400 grit Matchless Greaseless Compound (Koval) on an 1800 spiral sewn buff. After that, the buffing is very quick.

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Jerry Hossom
www.hossom.com
The Tom & Jerry Show