What can you use to dye Micarta handles?

[Tetsusaiga]

Is there a hard wearing dye or paint that can be applied to Busse micarta handles to change the colours?

 

[leatherman]

The longest lasting stuff I've found so far is leather dye, and I imagine that just about any alcohol based dye would work well. Water based stuff just doesnt penetrate very far.

Tandy carries a lot of different colors, stay away from the aformentioned water based "Eco" dyes though. They come in small bottles and the cost is minimal and you'll have plenty left over for touch ups. Just dont spill it on the carpet, ask me how I know this? yup, it never came out.

 

[Tetsusaiga]

Thanks man.. was just wondering if lacquer or thinner based hobby paints would work? This is stuff that can't be removed with water..

 

[rbmcmjr]

What are you attempting to achieve? This Hell Razor has black canvas magnum slabs that have been triple dipped in black leather dye:

It belonged (and may still) to Jules/westllen. Maybe he can shed more light on the process.

Rick

 

[Tetsusaiga]

WOW... that looks absolutely fabulous!!

That's what I'm trying to achieve.

 

[leatherman]

Thanks man.. was just wondering if lacquer or thinner based hobby paints would work? This is stuff that can't be removed with water..

I wouldnt go with paint, it just sits on the surface and makes the handles slick when they are wet. Nasty combination.

rbmcmjr, thats awesome! Just what I was trying to put to words! I am thinking of turning tan handles dark brown, might have to go try now.

 

[Guyon]

What are you attempting to achieve? This Hell Razor has black canvas magnum slabs that have been triple dipped in black leather dye:

It belonged (and may still) to Jules/westllen. Maybe he can shed more light on the process.

Rick

I want the retro Busse cap!

Nice job on the scales though.

Been thinking about using some brown leather dye on some tan scales myself.

 

[Tetsusaiga]

Any particular brand of dye that I should be looking out for?? Reason I'm asking is that I'm not from the States and the only place I can get leather dye is probably off the bay, so I need to know exactly what to search for..

Thanks

 

[Cutshaw]

Testu-

Take a look at this stuff. Dwayne probably knows better than anyone. You start working with leather dye and it takes FOREVER for it to even come out of your skin.

I'm betting leather dye would do the trick. Of course, if you start out with any dark micarta, it will only get darker.

 

[Tyrkon Lawson]

I think Skunk just pees on the handles.

 

[Cutshaw]

I think Skunk just pees on the handles.

I thought skunks sprayed?!?

 

[Ken44]

I thought skunks sprayed?!?

They do, not to take a piss though

Can I say that

 

[leatherman]

Any particular brand of dye that I should be looking out for?? Reason I'm asking is that I'm not from the States and the only place I can get leather dye is probably off the bay, so I need to know exactly what to search for..

Thanks

I'd look for any alcohol based dyes. Some wood working suppliers might have something similar though stay away from the oil based wood dyes, they would make for slick handles again. I'll do a search from here and see what pops up. Some wood stains have nice penetration properties.

I think Fiebings is available world wide, stick with the standard dyes and avoid the pro oil dye as its quite expensive for your uses. Tandy also has/had a line of standard alcohol based dyes as well.

Where are you? And I can check with Tandy and see. Beware shipping costs for "hazardous" materials. Flamables tend to get expensive when shipping, if allowed at all. Your best bet may be local to you.

 

[Bravado]

BLOOD!!

 

[westllen]

What are you attempting to achieve? This Hell Razor has black canvas magnum slabs that have been triple dipped in black leather dye:

It belonged (and may still) to Jules/westllen. Maybe he can shed more light on the process.

Rick

Yup! that's me, keen eye and memory Rick.:thumbup: Here's a copy of a email to Brian aka "Solstice" a long time back, saved it for just an occasion like this.

Jules

Quote:
Originally Posted by westllen
hey Brian hows it going!. It seems that me and Dwayne are the only ones that agree when comes to dying the linen and only linen micata. meaning it only works on linen micata. Dwayne spilled black leather dye on the handle accidentaly and was never able to get it out ! IDEA! take it to a shoeman or maker.lol
My guy cleans it real well with somekind of alchohol cleaner nothing special then brushes it with a wire brush (lightly) and then puts the whole handle in a coffee can with black leather dye. leaves it in for awhile..maybe an hour or so. Takes the handle out and hangs it upside down from a string. when its just about dry he gentlely wipes the excess dye off any metal , rivets including. waits a day and does the same thing over and again on the third day. Easy, it seems a little tacky at first but cures in no time. seems to stay on well. Also if it ever dulls, just buy a black shoe polish liquid and hit it again. That kind with the foam top in the squezee bottle.
Its all good by me and dwayne and hes the leatherman.
Best to you Brian, let me know how you made out.
Jules




Quote:
Originally Posted by Solstice
Triple dipped dyed black??? Ok bro...I've got to know! Those handles on the HR you sold on the Exchange look freakin like black paper. Nice, real nice. What did you dye them with, how's it holding up?
Thanks man,
Brian (sosltice)

 

[leatherman]

I found it works equally as well on canvas micarta too. At least I'm doing this to my own knives. I'd be mortified had it happend to a customers blade. Especially with some that have been in my shop lately. One nearly 2 grand worth.

I wonder if dye would work on that black G10 that has the light threads in it, I have a BATac with those and its been driving me crazy. I love the look of the all black G10 and those white threads just look off to me. Well, I'll find out tomorrow!

 

[Tetsusaiga]

Thanks for all the info. Might be a bit hard to search one down locally as folks over here aren't big on DIY at all.. looks like the bay might be my best bet unless that Tandy place accepts foreign credit cards...

BTW Dwayne, I'm in Singapore...

 

[leatherman]

Singapore! Nice! One of these days.....

I did a search and no Tandy anywhere near you.

Fear not though, we'll get you squared away.