Micromesh “Grits” For Stem Maintenance Not Restoration

[edger]

I’d like to keep the buttons on my vulcanite stems from going brown, but I don’t want to use overly aggressive pads to do this. What series of grits will accomplish this without removing any unnecessary material. I realize that vulcanite can vary in quality. Maybe I should start with the second or third gentlest pad and test the results as I go. Any thoughts?
I’ve written the numbers on the corresponding colored pad, so any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks in advance

 

[Chasing Embers]

Toothpaste

 

[mingc]

For maintenance of untarnished, shiny stems and bits, I'd just use the finest, 12,000, or maybe the next size down as well, 8,000. Better yet, skip the micromesh and use the NOVUS plastic polish kit. And Obsidian or mineral oil.

 

[Chasing Embers]

use the NOVUS plastic polish

 

[edger]

I’ve been using a jewelry cloth regularly and they keep those portions of the stem that is not in my mouth very shiny, but,alas, the buttons always go brown due to my mouth chemistry. I’m looking for something simple and easy to do after each smoke before I rerack the pipe.
It seems others aren’t bothered by this by the pipes I see photographed in the “What are you smoking” thread.

 

[jpberg]

I think Ming’s answer is solid.

 

[mingc]

View attachment 137802

But there's nothing in them that's known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Otherwise, there would be a Proposition 65 warning on them. ?

 

[edger]

I think Ming’s answer is solid.

But not something you can use after each smoke?

 

[jpberg]

Well, I wouldn’t use any grit paper after every smoke.
Maybe you want some rouge on a buffer wheel?

 

[edger]

Well, I wouldn’t use any grit paper after every smoke.
Maybe you want some rouge on a buffer wheel?

Keeping a buffing wheel next to my chair would piss off my wife, and at my age I’ve been giving away my tools. Would the gentler pads be that aggressive, in your opinion?

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Giving the stem a coat and rub with Obsidian Oil might be enough for maintenance purposes.

 

[mingc]

But not something you can use after each smoke?

I think for this Obsidian oil or something similar should do.

 

[Ahi Ka]

Would wrapping the stem with some friction tape help?

 

[tfdickson]

I’ve been using a jewelry cloth regularly and they keep those portions of the stem that is not in my mouth very shiny, but,alas, the buttons always go brown due to my mouth chemistry. I’m looking for something simple and easy to do after each smoke before I rerack the pipe.
It seems others aren’t bothered by this by the pipes I see photographed in the “What are you smoking” thread.

Micromesh is good for removing oxidized material in a very controlled way. But it sounds like you are after a preventative measure, in which case you need a barrier, not material removal. I use Paragon wax on all my stems and all my smooth stummels. I have a microfiber cloth (in came with a pair of sunglasses) that I use to buff my pipes after I‘ve applied the wax. All new or new to me pipes get a coat and a buff. It doesn’t take long for the microfiber cloth to get impregnated with the wax and I use the same cloth to give a quick wipe to the pipe and especially the stem after each smoke. This doesn’t eliminate oxidation completely but it does slow it down enough that I only have to give the micromesh treatment to one or two pipes a year out of a collection of 80+.

| eBay

 

[Chasing Embers]

But there's nothing in them that's known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects or other reproductive harm. Otherwise, there would be a Proposition 65 warning on them. ?

That’s why I use toothpaste.

 

[Ahi Ka]

That’s why I use toothpaste.

the irony of this is not lost on me bro

 

[Chasing Embers]

the irony of this is not lost on me bro

Gum decay is the silent killer.

Edit : Oh crap, that's a real thing!?

 

[ssjones]

Here are your Micromesh grit conversions. If you let any oxidation build, the 8,000 or 12,000 will not have enough abrasive qualities to remove it.

 

[captpat]

I use Obsidian Oil; tried toothpaste my brand seems devoid of any abrasive, but I did get a minty flavored bit.

 

[Chasing Embers]

tried toothpaste my brand seems devoid of any abrasive

That's the point. Toothpaste doesn't remove oxidation, it shines. The OP isn't looking for oxidation removal, just prevention.