You'll find lots of info here and elsewhere re stem maintenance. I won't belabor it. I have to admit I am way too anal about oxidized or mouth stained vulcanite. It bugs the crap out of me and I don't like the look, even a little. I like nylon ,acrylic or plastic in every case. Falcons and cobs and Carey's for me.View attachment 46784
I want to say this happened because it got left in the sunlight for too long, but I'm not too sure.
I've seen people suggest leaving the stem in oxiclean and buffing the hell out of it, but I'm not so sure. What do you guys reccomend?
What's the order of operations for that toothpaste one?Easy:
Scrub with a Magic Eraser and polish with Flitz metal polish.
My way:
A lighter, a wet paper towel, and toothpaste.
View attachment 46787
What's the order of operations for that toothpaste one?
Me personally I love oxidation the same way I love couches that have been used as a scratching post. Reminds me of things I love.View attachment 46784
I want to say this happened because it got left in the sunlight for too long, but I'm not too sure.
I've seen people suggest leaving the stem in oxiclean and buffing the hell out of it, but I'm not so sure. What do you guys reccomend?
you roll the toothpaste into a paper towel spliff (after you rip it in half) smoke the toothpaste then lick the pipe wipe of the minty droll with the other half of the paper towel. It really should be obvious.What's the order of operations for that toothpaste one?
What's the order of operations for that toothpaste one?
Wave the tip of a butane lighter flame across the stem's surface, working in short lengths. When the surface just begins to blacken, rub it with a with the paper towel. Multiple passes are sometimes necessary but you end up with a matte black stem. Next, apply a tiny drop of toothpaste to the end of your finger and wipe it evenly across the entire surface of the stem excluding the tenon. Allow the toothpaste to dry 15-30 minutes and thumb buff the stem with a clean, dry thumb until the toothpaste residue is removed. If you're new to restorations, I would go with the Magic Eraser, but if you have experience shaping stems with a flame or are just adventurous, give it a go.
- Put on toothpaste.
- Rub it for an hour.
- Realize it will take too damned long.
- Try the magic eraser method.
I'll say the same thing people said to me. There is a point where it starts adding a bitter flavor to the smoke. And once you get that you'll understand why people don't like it. I don't think it's just the oxidization but maybe something that gets trapped in it or something. Because it doesn't develop as much as just show up at some point. And it's bad enough if you couldn't fix it yourself you would end up buying a brand new stem. If it's not bothering you then it hasn't really happened because well it changed my mind about it being no big deal pretty quickly.Howya ? probably a noob question but...is the oxidation intrinsically damaging to the stem material. I have a light foxing of oxidation on my mid 60's leather wrapped Longchamp but the colour of the oxidation actually compliment 's the colour of the leather making the pipe look brilliant...IMO.
is the oxidation intrinsically damaging to the stem material
fun fact is oxygen does the same thing to the body. It's carcinogenic. But we kind of need it to survive and have cellular energy. Now that we're on the subject of things that are bad for you and essential for survival that small star we're close to that we see every darn day is also trying to kill us all.Think of it like rust.
Where did that come from?fun fact is oxygen does the same thing to the body. It's carcinogenic. But we kind of need it to survive and have cellular energy. Now that we're on the subject of things that are bad for you and essential for survival that small star we're close to that we see every darn day is also trying to kill us all.