Advice on chacom finish

[unixhelp]

Hey all

I have a Chacom pipe and i really like the grain but the finish has tiny chips here and there, the actual briar appears untouched...my question is if i remove the old "varnish" is it enough to polish the briar with carnuba and not revarnish....does the varnish serve a purpose other than shine? Ultimatly i'd like to end up with a pipe with a matt like finish that resists staining from day to day use and handling.
Rob

 

[papipeguy]

There are many experts here on re finishing and I am not among them. However, if you decide to remove the finish and go au naturalthe pipe will abosorb the moisture of the tobacco and color itself. also the oils from your hand will contribute to this. I have a natural Nording Signature that is beginning to take on some color after 2 months of smoking it. The choice is your and I'm sure that others will offer better advice. Good luck with it.

 

[unixhelp]

So if I remove the varnish and polish it with carnuba wax it should be ok....protected from hand dirt / sweat / oil etc?

 

[ejames]

The hand dirt,sweat and oils will help color the pipe,give it a patina I guess you could say. The varnish serves only to hide a not so good sanding job. Makes them shine without a lot of sanding and buffing. Most higher grade pipes do not have it. Stain and wax only,except for some handmade rustic pipes which sometimes have a coat of shellac.

 

[unixhelp]

Thanks ppl....sanded the varnish or whatever it was off, exposing just the beautiful woodgrain.. next a little carnuba and bliss.
thanks all

rob