High Gloss Shine vs. Satin/Matte Finish

[danielplainview]

Through trial and error I’ve found the perfect satin finish for me. Ever since I found the GL Pease GBD collection (link posted below) I’ve wanted that look for my British briars. I’m a big fan of the high gloss super shine on certain pipes, but that satin finish just looks so right on old Brit wood. I thought I’d share my eureka moment. I tried different waxing techniques. Halcyon, flannel buff, etc. it was close but not quite there. I achieved this look with a very simple trick. After a normal high gloss wax finish lightly rub a cotton ball moistened not soaked, with acetone over the wax. Followed by a light hand buff with a clean dry microfiber. That’s it...
Here’s my new favorite finish on one of my favorite shapes. The 614 from GBD


http://glpease.com/Pipes/Collection/gbd.html

 

[agnosticpipe]

Thanks for the tip Dave!

I feel the same way with many of my pipes, but usually just let them get that way by smoking them. That doesn't work all that well though, as it only looks satin where you handle the pipe, but is still too glossy else where.

 

[ssjones]

Yep, some finishes were meant to be matte, particularly GBD's.

That's a seldom seen GBD shape, I don't think that I've ever had one on my bench or in my collection.

Thanks for sharing that tip.

 

[ssjones]

I knew that I had remembered that shape, here's the original restoration thread and gloss finish.

http://pipesmagazine.com/forums/topic/gbd-new-era-bulldog-resto-beforeafter

It might not be exactly factory, but I prefer this finish between the two.

Btw, that is the only 614 shape that I can find anywhere!

 

[mawnansmiff]

Nice one Dave, I should imagine that finish would last a fair bit longer than a full on gloss finish.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[aldecaker]

Looks great. I personally do not care for a high shine on pipes; I go in for a more natural matte look.

 

[papipeguy]

Beautiful. I prefer that look to high gloss with my pipes.

 

[mso489]

I have a few high-gloss pipes that are fine smokers, despite their being out of fashion. I like sandblast and artful rustication, but sometimes high gloss looks striking and smokes great. I also like unfinished and matte finished pipes.

 

[uperepik]

Awesome, I've been trying to figure out a matte finish. Thanks Dave

 

[danielplainview]

Dang Al, you dug deep to find that post. She was trashed when I got it, but I had to have it. You’re right. 614 is a rare shape. This is the only one I’ve seen. I’d love to add a Prehistoric blasted 614 to the fold.
This mornings project was giving the satin finish to my 9438’s.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I prefer a matte finish over high gloss on well broken in and loved pipes.

 

[ssjones]

Dave, not much digging at all - if you google GBD 614, exactly one example comes up - yours!

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Due to some errors committed in past I'm becoming a bit apprehensive buying pipes with high glossy finish, I'm noticing French makers such as BC and Chacom do still produce quite a lot of medium price range pipes with glossy finishes.

 

[danielplainview]

@Paulie
Errors? Are you talking about a clear coat? I don’t like them either. It is instantly removed if I buy a pipe with the spray on shine. You can get the same shine with carnauba. It doesn’t last forever, but carnauba never cracks or bubbles.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Very fine. I kinda like all finishes, from complete matte to high gloss, though high gloss from wax, not varnish, etc.

 

[mso489]

Satin gets some of the best from both smooth and matte. Goes great on this pipe for sure.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Dave G:Thanks for the added info I will look into this matter further,tell you what other day after few bowlfulls my Peterson Irish Harp which had medium clossy finish went partially matte, so to say the light spray varnish started partially disappearing, which seems happening to almost any pipe I own,excluding those with the high gloss varnish. When this is the fading is obvious enough (70% of my brand new pipes)then I'll take some sprit and rub all the remaining off,and then I go further with carnauba.

 

[sunriseboy]

Wow, compared to my cobs, that is "extreme" gloss!

While we are on the topic of finishes, what is the laquer that is used for cobs. I bought a can of spray on gear but would like some instruction first.