Sealing ESEE Micarta scales

[Blackie Scantling]

I recently picked up an ESEE-4 with grey scales which, from light kitchen duty and heavy fondling had turned a dull black. I stripped the black coating from the blade and modded the scales which exposed fresh Micarta.
How can I preserve the blue/grey color and pattern as seen in the pics?
I really don't want them to turn back to dull black and as a result avoid handling them. Is there a clear sealant or wax I can put on them?

 

[AntDog]

Keep it clean. Use dish soap like Dawn. It is the oil in your hands that makes em darker. There is no way to keep them that color if you use the knife.