How Do I Remove Oxidization from My Brigham Stem??

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pinhead

Lurker
Mar 13, 2019
30
0
Just what the title says. I have a Brigham Mountaineer with a vulcanite stem. I keep getting oxidization. How can I safely remove it? Any suggestions? Greatly appreciated!

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
There are several ways. You can soak it in Oxyclean and use micromesh pads or sandpaper, you could use Magic Erasers and shine it with Barkeeper's Friend and toothpaste, or you could send it to a restoration specialist. Most of the time I use a lighter and a wet paper towel, but if you've never removed oxidation before, I wouldn't try that one first.

 

pinhead

Lurker
Mar 13, 2019
30
0
Thanks Embers. Last time I tried cleaning the stem evolving water the stem turned brown and almost muddy? I guess. Best way to explain. Is this normal?

 

pinhead

Lurker
Mar 13, 2019
30
0
Thanks Embers. Last time I tried cleaning the stem evolving water the stem turned brown and almost muddy? I guess. Best way to explain. Is this normal?

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
Thanks Embers. Last time I tried cleaning the stem evolving water the stem turned brown and almost muddy? I guess. Best way to explain. Is this normal?
Very hot water and steam will flash oxidize vulcanite, so very normal.

 

tulsagentleman

Starting to Get Obsessed
Feb 7, 2019
206
39
So can you elaborate on using a lighter to de-oxidize a stem? I have seen this referred to but never explained. Some of us are getting desperate.

 

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,568
27,070
Carmel Valley, CA
After removing most or all of the oxidation, rub on a very thin coat of mineral oil, and rub it in. It will give a bit of a luster to it, but more importantly, impede the re-oxidation of the stem.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
So can you elaborate on using a lighter to de-oxidize a stem?
If you've never removed oxidation or reshaped a stem before, I don't recommend this being the first method you try, but here it is.
https://rebornpipes.com/2012/06/14/a-bic-lighter-and-oxidation/

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
After removing most or all of the oxidation, rub on a very thin coat of mineral oil, and rub it in. It will give a bit of a luster to it
Thumb buff it with toothpaste and you'll turn it into a black mirror.

 

jpmcwjr

Moderator
Staff member
May 12, 2015
24,568
27,070
Carmel Valley, CA
Does the toothpaste protect from further oxidation?
If so, that's great for those who want a shiny stem; others prefer more of a matte black.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
I always put oil on after each smoke. Hadn't heard about a trend of matte stems with all the fuss of waxing and buffing. That would be an interesting thread though, preference of matte to shiny.

 

chromearty

Lurker
Apr 1, 2019
11
0
After having an oxidized stem on my brand new Peterson I did a bunch of research.
Oxiclean over night. Or a half hour of elbow grease and some Bar Keepers Friend on a damp rag.
Also, coat the stem in some chap stick when it dries. Helps prevent re-oxidization and makes it look good too.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
43,248
108,347
My bad: I used the word "matte" when I really should have said something like shiny, but not mirror-like.
Gotcha
ThumbsUp.jpg


 

jaygreen55

Starting to Get Obsessed
Jan 29, 2015
171
176
Try Dave Walker's stem restoration kit. I had quit smoking my pipes for 20 years and most of my pipe stems were badly oxidized when I came back to the hobby. While a couple of the most severe cases remained a little greenish they were all smooth, shiny and free of any nasty taste
http://www.walkerbriarworks.com/html/stem_restore_kit.html

 
Dec 10, 2013
2,316
2,942
Nijmegen, the Netherlands
Welcome to the forums Pinhead !
After many years of toiling with sanding and polishing oxidated stems I now managed to ruin my right hand.

The Walker's does NOT do the job, removes only very superfacial oxidation and we want the full monty, not ?

So I purchased this stuff from Mark Hoover and it is heaven.

Apart from that he is every inch a gentleman and his service is immaculate.
https://rebornpipes.com/2017/09/15/a-review-before-after-pipe-stem-deoxidizer-and-fine-and-extra-fine-polishes/
This stuff is amazing too, also shines and protects the stems :
https://rebornpipes.com/2017/11/13/a-review-before-after-restoration-balm/

 
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