Those of us who buy estate pipes in unrestored condition sometimes find under the cake varying degrees of heat damage. During my time as an estate pipe enthusiast I have heard conflicting advice regarding the remedy for heat damage. The conflict basically forms up into two opposing camps. One argues against coating over damaged areas with a patching compound, preferring instead to cake over any and all heat damage. The other advocates coating, at least in some cases. I am inclined to the view that some damage can be caked over, while other damage requires a protective coating. What I have yet to figure out is the point at which caking over is inappropriate and coating becomes necessary. How do you decide what route to take?
Here are some photos to illustrate various degrees of damage. The photos are arranged in order of increasingly severe damage.
Here are some photos to illustrate various degrees of damage. The photos are arranged in order of increasingly severe damage.