How to Lighten Dark Pipe Stain????

[bowler1]

Hi,

I have a very nice Peterson star pipe with a red finish. It has really nice grain, but it is difficult to see because the red stain is so dark and deep. It seems like they went a little too far with the stain such that it obliterates the grain.
Is there a way I can remove some of the stain without stripping it completely? I just want to lighten it a shade or so. I thought of using a dilute solution of water and alchohol or maybe some whiskey, but I don't want to ruin it either.
thanks

Matt

 

[warren]

I'm not being judgmental, but how did you come to be the owner of a pipe that doesn't please your eye?
Unsure of the base of Peterson stains, but I doubt that water will be of use, unless you've noticed your pipe bleeding when it rains. You could try the alcohol in an unobtrusive spot, although I don't believe a pipe has one, and see what happens.
Worse that can happen is that you'd need to have the pipe refinished by a pro and then you could get it to your liking.

 

[rockymtnsmoker]

In my experience, having recently stripped a Sav I didn't like the dark stain on, there's usually a reason for the dark stain. Chances are there are a few fills hiding under there and some areas with less than stellar grain. If the stain isn't so dark you can see it isn't masking any defects, you might want to strip her right down and restain to get the finish you want. Good luck whatever you choose.

 

[ejames]

What Rocky says could very well be true. I have lightened the stain on some pipes by wiping it down with a rag soaked with 91% Iso. Alcohol. The more you rub it,there more stain comes off. Unless it has a coat of lacquer on it,that's a different animal. The alcohol will raise the grain somewhat and give the pipe a soft satin look. I usually buff with white diamond afterwards to even it out and make it shine.

 

[ssjones]

I agree with the others, those heavy stains were chosen for a reason. IF you do want to remove it, that is what must be done. I doubt you can successfully "lighten" a factory finish. I recently restored a Falcon, that had a lot of fills once the stain was removed. I did a two-stage/black clear stain that I've learned hides fills as well as anything. (you can pick out each individual piece of putty and refill w/superglue & briar, but that is a tedious job).