Carnauba Wax

[willwoodbine]

is there such a thing as applying to much wax to your pipe...ive been adding it daily to one pipe for 5 days now...its not getting shinier but grain is becoming more pronounced...will it eventually get too dark?
Edit: Corrected capitalization in title, L.

 

[numbersix]

I don't use a wax daily either, only once in a while. You should only leave it on for a few minutes, then buff it. I could see it getting duller if you don't remember to buff it out - just like you would on a car after waxing.
I also use Halcyon II. I tried a soft carnauba wax and it left a white residue in the cracks and crevices. Halcyon II was much much better.

 

[cortezattic]

I think you're waxing it way too much. A molecule-thick layer should be sufficient.

You can't achieve a spectacular glassy shine unless the wood beneath the wax is sanded

extremely well with the finest grit sizes available.

 

[joshremy]

You can't achieve a spectacular glassy shine unless the wood beneath the wax is sanded

extremely well with the finest grit sizes available.

I agree. You only need a little bit of wax, but the finish of the wood makes the difference. I've seen sites suggest finishing a pipe with 400-500 grit sandpaper. I use 2000grit. I get a better shine on the pipes I make by using the finer grit and polishing with carnauba wax and a buffing wheel, but even then its never quite as shiny or deep of a shine as a professional made pipe. They probably use better quality wax or a lacquer.