New Raw Stanwell 32 Bulldog Stained with Coconut Oil

[ebnash]

Yesterday, I received a new Stanwell 32 Bulldog in the "Authentic" (Raw) type. It was pretty cheap and I've been wanting to test using Coconut Oil (unscented/unflavored) as a stain for pipes. I used this oil to stain a custom box made for holding Pipe Accessories and liked how it came out. I let the Coconut oil dry overnight and applied a couple light coats of paragon wax by finger and buffed off with a microfiber towel.

I think it came out pretty nice and simple. I will be smoking a few bowls of Granger through this pipe this week to see how/if the coconut oil reacts when the pipe heats up.

One thing I noticed, is that the coconut oil completely erased the Gold "S" marking on the stem. I did not intentionally apply the oil to the stem, but once it started to disappear, I went back and finished the job...

A couple before and after pictures...

 

[BROBS]

It would darken the same way and permanently/ without scent if you used wax. The oil will come off on your hands and generally not last. Also you haven’t sealed the wood with a wax so if you touch it with ashy or dirty fingers it will stain.

 

[haparnold]

Very well done! I like Stanwell Authentics, and I've used Olive Oil before in a similar application.

 

[verporchting]

Gold paint pen will put the logo back pretty easily.

 

[ebnash]

It would darken the same way and permanently/ without scent if you used wax. The oil will come off on your hands and generally not last. Also you haven’t sealed the wood with a wax so if you touch it with ashy or dirty fingers it will stain.

I put a couple coats of paragon wax on the pipe, but there is a chance that didn't permanently seal the finish. There will be no smell or scent as mentioned, it has no smell or taste. I use this coconut oil to cook with when I do not want to impart any flavor to the food I'm preparing.

 

[mso489]

For future reference, unfinished pipes will finish themselves beautifully over time often taking on the look of a deeply resonant stained finish. I am devoted to that Stanwell 32 shape, though I have never had it unfinished, but I bought two, the silke brune and the smooth. They are light weight, great to clench, and have a sufficient chamber. I am somewhat of a minimalist with pipes, don't use wax or other product on them, just buff by hand rigorously after each smoke. I like some wear and patina to show for character. I have traded some pipes, but don't really think about trading or re-sale when I buy or smoke them in rotation.

 

[ebnash]

For future reference, unfinished pipes will finish themselves beautifully over time often taking on the look of a deeply resonant stained finish. I am devoted to that Stanwell 32 shape, though I have never had it unfinished, but I bought two, the silke brune and the smooth. They are light weight, great to clench, and have a sufficient chamber. I am somewhat of a minimalist with pipes, don't use wax or other product on them, just buff by hand rigorously after each smoke. I like some wear and patina to show for character. I have traded some pipes, but don't really think about trading or re-sale when I buy or smoke them in rotation.

Yes, I mentioned this in another thread, but the reason I chose to purchase one of these was based on a post you made in an older thread about these being great clenchers. I only used the coconut oil because I've been wanted to test it on a pipe, and this was an inexpensive blank canvas. If it turns out to be a bust, it's pretty east strip off and go another route.

 

[mso489]

An aside, that is a beautiful Airedale! That was a hugely popular breed back in the 1930's, I think it was, but it has been spared overbreeding and is still a top notch dog, and likely the best of friends.

 

[BROBS]

I put a couple coats of paragon wax on the pipe, but there is a chance that didn't permanently seal the finish. There will be no smell or scent as mentioned, it has no smell or taste. I use this coconut oil to cook with when I do not want to impart any flavor to the food I'm preparing.

Coconut or other oils can turn rancid. Just letting you know I’ve had the same looking result using halcyon 2 wax if you’re looking for a matte finish, or paragon for more gloss. Sometimes it takes multiple applications of the wax.

 

[ebnash]

An aside, that is a beautiful Airedale! That was a hugely popular breed back in the 1930's, I think it was, but it has been spared overbreeding and is still a top notch dog, and likely the best of friends.

Thanks. He was a Welsh Terrier named Sherman. A beloved mate who passed on a couple years ago, but will never be forgotten.

He brought an amazing amount of joy to my wife and I.

 

[brooklynpipeclub]

That's fine looking pipe and the coloration is fantastic. Did you happen to buy it from pipesandcigars? If so, I was seriously considering buying it a few months ago. Enjoy it!

 

[ebnash]

Yes, I bought it from Pipes and Cigars. They still have more and are around $50. They seem to have the biggest selection of Stanwells in the states.

 

[LOREN]

Looks good.