How to Age Ivory Micarta

Ivory Micarta is a sturdy synthetic laminate widely used for making knife and gun handles. Older Micarta ages well, but newer varieties are more durable and hardly age at all. Light, humidity and rough handling barely leave an imprint on the material -- a welcome quality for those who like the pale ivory shade. If you prefer a deeper shade of ivory to make it look antique, it's possible to age ivory Micarta artificially.

Tanning

• 1

  Find a room that has plenty of direct sunlight.

• 2

  Set up a place at a table or other location in the room where the ivory Micarta can rest undisturbed for several weeks.

• 3

  Turn the ivory Micarta over after two weeks and tan the opposite side for two weeks. If darker results are desired, repeat the process.

Staining

• 1

  Choose the liquid you will use to stain the ivory Micarta.Tea will produce a light, green stain. Coffee will produce a creamy, brown stain. Wine will produce a rich burgundy color.

• 2

  Pour an ample amount of the staining liquid into a container large enough to completely submerge the ivory Micarta.

• 3

  Allow the ivory Micarta to soak for 24 hours. Rinse with cold water and allow it to dry. If darker results are desired, allow the ivory Micarta to soak for an additional 24 hours.