Knife makers and bowyers HELP

[Kip]

I am making a handle for a Helle blade to match my bow bubinga and micarta. My question is how do I get the micarta back black right now it is grey with the linen lines showing showing?I guess you need to polish it but what is the best way.Thanks in advance Kip

[robtattoo]

Progressively finer grades of wet & dry, finished on a polishing mop, if available.

[ChuckC]

I believe once you get a finish on it it will go back to black.
ChuckC

[jindydiver]

You can leave it unpoloshed and when you are finished it you can rub some gun oil into it. It will go back to the usual black color

[OconeeDan]

It'll be black after you finish it.  Before finishing, get it as smooth as you can.  The finish must completely cover the micarta, and be smooth. You'll still see the lines of the fabric, but it'll look nice and black. Don't worry, micarta (phenolic) is ugly while you are working on it.
Dan

[Kip]

Thanks  guys  tried a couple sample finishes, a spray finish and true oil on another piece that was not finished but looks like the color will return had no clue. Now how about tips on the best finish for bubinga and micarta together.Thanks Kip

[Mdbowman]

If you clean the bubinga with acetone, you can them coat it with the thin super glue to seal it for a spray on finish. True oil will just soak into the wood. Use gunstock wax or bees wax when you've finished to further seal it when using oils.