How to Repair this Finish?

[mikethompson]

I'm looking at an estate pipe and I'm thinking how I would go about dealing with the finish.

I can seem to post a picture of it, but let me try to describe it. It looks like the bowl has a very thin varnish/clear layer on it, and on the right side of the bowl it has come off. Whether it was wear or not I can't say.

I'm not sure whether the mineral oil and wax treatment will work on a pipe with a finish like that on it.

Any pointers or advice?

 

[lightmybriar]

I'm looking at an estate pipe and I'm thinking how I would go about dealing with the finish.

I can seem to post a picture of it, but let me try to describe it. It looks like the bowl has a very thin varnish/clear layer on it, and on the right side of the bowl it has come off. Whether it was wear or not I can't say.

I'm not sure whether the mineral oil and wax treatment will work on a pipe with a finish like that on it.

Any pointers or advice?

I have a Savinelli that’s done this. I am planning on just waxing over it with the buffing wheel because I like a smooth shine, and a little color discrepancy won’t bother me if that occurs. If you’re looking to make it look correct, I’d recommend stripping off the gloss coat and then waxing it.

 

[mso489]

From your description, the thin layer of varnish, I'd consider sanding it down and letting it color like an unfinished pipe. You might find some pits and fills under there, and if they were too bothersome, you could do some rustication, but I doubt the problem will be that bad. I'm surprised to hear this occurred on a Savinelli, lightmyfire; I've have quite a few going back years and finishing has always been solid. I guess it was one of those Friday afternoon pipes. Someone rushed the job.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Pure Acetone is very effective to remove all remaining of varnish in only one minute but in all probability, it' will make staining to fade somewhat, so be careful If you don't plan on restaining your pipe eventually

 

[BROBS]

Polish the whole pipe before you wax it. This will remove all of it and make the shine even. If you wax over it you will notice it.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Polish the whole pipe before you wax it. This will remove all of it and make the shine even. If you wax over it you will notice it.

an Absolute true

 

[didimauw]

Yes I used acetone to remove the laquer finish on my Rossi, that was bubbling off the rim. Worked great. I just left it dull afterwards.

 

[mso489]

Rossi finish bubbling off the rim? Oh no. Come on, guys and gals at the factory, give it a little love. My Rossi like my Sav are work horses. No bubbly peel. That's sad to hear. It could put a newbie right off his pipe.

 

[bnichols23]

Krylon? ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

Acetone before you do any kind of waxing.

 

[trubka2]

Maybe these before and after pics could be helpful. This pipe was covered unevenly in some sort of lacquer or varnish. I was able to get almost all of it off with acetone and elbow grease. (Thanks to embers for the heads-up on acetone!)

 

[mikethompson]

Thanks for all the advice guys. The wear or peeling of the finish isn't so bad as it down to the briar, but still needs addressing.

Would the acetone remove the finish as well as the stain?

 

[jhowell]

Re-amalgamate the existing finish. Think: Formby

 

[mikethompson]

I knew as soon as I posted a picture it would sell!

Well the search continues!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Would the acetone remove the finish as well as the stain?

Just the lacquer or shellac. The stain would be fine.