Thread: Are painted scales a good idea?

Why not Maple & Tung oil finish. The below razor is a practice razor. The blade is badly pitted all the way through the edge. She will not take a comfortable edge. I did not want to toss the blade, so I put on some Maple scales with 2 weeks of Tung oil application; just to see if I liked the color combination.

As someone has already said you could try masecraft...their G10 is in 1/8"x6"x12" sheets...most are $10. They have quite a selection of different acrylics too. Give Phil there a call...he's a great guy to deal with and I'm sure he could help you out

Couldn't you paint the scales then seal them with some sort of superglue finish?

Oh man, how could I have forgotten Alpha Knife Supply!? Awesome service too. I called them to place my order and they were very very helpful.

http://www.alphaknifesupply.com/

Lots of G-10 in different sizes, thicknesses, and colors. I bought several different things there for making lined scales.

*no affiliation, just a very satisfied customer.

Originally Posted by jdto

Couldn't you paint the scales then seal them with some sort of superglue finish?

That's what I'd like to try. But I haven't used that before. I was hoping to get some starting tips from people who might have already tried it.

If you put some sort of artwork or paint on scales, I would coat with epoxy resin, such as System3's mirror coat. This is the self leveling liquid that is used to coat things like bar tops with a thick, tough clear coat.

Make the scales thin, so coated result isn't too thick.
Edit
Additionally, agree that masecraft supply is a good vendor for horn and bone 6" and 1/8" thick for scales.

As per reason to paint. What colors or pattern are your looking for? Something not seem in the custom forums? Single color, streaks, glitter or something else?

If you want to put in the time, epoxy-impregnated cloth ("G20" is one variety) is accepted as a high-class material. Tough, waterproof, and quite pretty for razor scales and knife handles.

I think there are instructions in the Wiki. And you can buy it.

Only problem is the glass fibers dull tools quickly.

Charles

PS -- I speak from reading, not first-hand experience.

Paint is just a clear coat with a pigment or dye in it. I think if it is ok coat with film forming clear coats (CA, varnish, epoxy, shellac, lacquer) it is ok to cover with paint. Thats my two cents on the subject.

Charlie

You may want to test the paint, then clear coat on another surface before you put it on your scales to ensure compatibility between coats.