Micromesh “Grits” For Stem Maintenance Not Restoration

[ssjones]

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

I read the title and his initial post differently. Maintenance is oxidation removal on vulcanite stems. The only prevention is to keep it in a completely dark place and don't use the pipe.

 

[edger]

Thanks for all the suggestions! I think micromesh to remove the brown and wax to prevent it may be my solution.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The only prevention is to keep it in a completely dark place and don't use the pipe.

Oils are prevention and pipes that I've deoxidized with a flame haven't reoxidized at all even without the use of oil.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I had a thread two years ago detailing the restoration of this Weber. No oil has been applied to it since its cleanup.

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

I had a thread two years ago detailing the restoration of this Weber. No oil has been applied to it since its cleanup.

View attachment 137882View attachment 137883

I'm both impressed and in the market to clean up a stem.

I found your previous thread, but the videos aren't available. Would you mind reposting or sharing a link? I'm interested in the flame method (and nervous).

Any other tips (so I hopefully don't destroy a perfectly good pipe)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I'm both impressed and in the market to clean up a stem.

I found your previous thread, but the videos aren't available. Would you mind reposting or sharing a link? I'm interested in the flame method (and nervous).

Any other tips (so I hopefully don't destroy a perfectly good pipe)? Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Youtube deleted them for inappropriate content : tobacco.

Work slowly. If in doubt in any way, try it out on an inexpensive pipe.

 

[captpat]

Toothpaste doesn't remove oxidation, it shines.

I must be using the wrong stuff, it doesn't even make my teeth all that shiny.

 

[ssjones]

I think an automotive plastic polish would be more effective than toothpaste and readily available. They come in different abrasive grades. I use Meguiars plastic polish, on a buffing wheel, for my final stem restoration prep.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I think an automotive plastic polish would be more effective than toothpaste and readily available. They come in different abrasive grades. I use Meguiars plastic polish, on a buffing wheel, for my final stem restoration prep.

The mirror shine on my above pictured stems was just thumb buffing with toothpaste. No power tools involved.

 

[Ahi Ka]

I haven’t had success with the toothpaste trick, but it turns out the one I was using contained baking soda and oxidised the stem. One day I’ll try again