Micarta is a trade name that was given to thermoset laminates back in the 1890’s by Westinghouse. Phenolic is another name used to describe this hard, dense material. Phenolic sheets are made by applying heat and pressure to layers of Paper, Cotton (linen or canvas), and Glass fabrics impregnated with synthetic resin. When heat and pressure are applied to the layers a chemical reaction (polymerization) transforms the layers into a solid industrial laminated plastic. This industrial laminate, or composite since it is comprised out of a combination of materials, is extremely durable, lightweight, and moisture resistant. It will not soften under the reapplication of heat.

Paper, Linen, and Canvas laminates as well as some G10 composite are what we use here at VZ Grips. The glass composites that are better known as G10 are hazardous to work with but with new enclosed machining and powerful vacuums and air scrubbers I'll start to offer this material to my customers.  I think that G10 is pretty hard for the application at hand but it is required in some military and law enforcement applications. I believe the feel of cotton or paper micarta is by far more comfortable and forgiving than G10. I've also noticed and heard by many, that grip screws tend to loosen very easily with G10 (without the use of loc-tite) whereas the cotton micarta acts like a lock washer since there is some give. If you find this the case with your grips, it is easily cured with a small rubber gasket made from an inner tube of an old bike tire.  Using a paper hole punch, punch out four small gaskets. Puncture the middle of each one and slide over your grip screw. Problem solved.

Keep in mind that ALL of the micarta (paper, linen, and canvas) are extremely strong, an overkill in strength for the application at hand. I have been asked numerous times which is the strongest of the three. The answer is Canvas, followed by Linen, then paper. I doubt that you’ll ever see the day you test their strength to the limits.

Below, I have explained how each of the three types of micarta differs from one another and how they may feel once our textures are milled into them. If you should have any further questions regarding the materials we use please feel free to contact me via phone or email.

• Very Dense
• Smooth to the touch
• It Machines more precise
• Textures are sharper
• Deep, Bold Colors
• 20g per panel / 40g a set

• Gritty to the touch
• Tight thin cotton weave
• Subdued Colors
• Stronger Than Paper
• 18g per panel / 36g a set

• Coarse to the touch
• Thick broad cotton weave
• Drab Colors
• Strongest of the three
• 18g per panel / 36g a set