Coloring on New Meer So Far

[cwpiperman]

This new IMP Meer arrived 7/15/2021...I've been pretty much smoking this one exclusively since then. Here's a couple of pics of the Brand New Pipe, and today's current snap on the journey toward patinization:

New:

Today:

I think it's coming along great!, and it is an absolute JOY to smoke.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Wait to clean it just prior to the next smoke to increase the speed of coloring. Looks great so far, but you'll be really amazed when the meer itself starts to color.?

 

[cwpiperman]

Wait to clean it just prior to the next smoke to increase the speed of coloring. Looks great so far, but you'll be really amazed when the meer itself starts to color.?

Thanks and will do! What does your experience say is the best way to clean it?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Thanks and will do! What does your experience say is the best way to clean it?

I use a pipe cleaner on the stem and Q-tips for the mortise and draft. For the chamber I wipe that out with paper towels as a pipe cleaner, especially the bristled ones, can cause scoring in the meerschaum. When significant carbon starts to build, I use a knife blade to ream but never straight down to the meer. Keep an eye on the pipe's heel. You'll eventually start to see an ashy discoloration start that will darken and start to spread. That's when the internal coloring starts!?