Peeling Finish?

[sparrowhawk]

I recently purchased a Prince from a respected maker, one of those I think of as The Big Three of mid-level pipe makers, that had some sort of polyurethane finish on it (didn't know that at the time) and was amazed that the finish, a week later, started to bubbly up like a membrane. The vendor gave me a refund; I didn't want an exchange, because I didn't want to go thru this experience again. But how often does this kind of peeling of finish happen? How can you tell if a high finish pipe is coated with one of these urethane finish before finish?

 

[Chasing Embers]

If the surface looks like glass, it's usually some kind of varnish. I have a Big Ben dromedary that was like that, but I completely removed it with acetone. Smokes cooler now too.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Wish I knew about that option, because beneath the finish was a very fine stain. I could have just stripped the prince and enjoyed the results.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I actually found my Big Ben more attractive after removing the finish. The stain was unaffected if at all.
http://pipesmagazine.com/members/chasingembers/album/picture/18786

 

[clickklick]

This concerns me! In a machine made pipe, OK... But a handmade pipe, completely unacceptable.
You stated maker, so still unsure which realm we are in. Is this a factory pipe? Or a handmade pipe?

 

[cortezattic]

how often does this kind of peeling of finish happen?

Given the large number of lacquered pipes out there, I'd say not too often. But then again, how many folks bother to complain about it in the Forums?
It's come up a few times before. While I don't remember which brands, I think the churchwarden shape is more susceptible to it than others because it's so easy to overlook how hot the bowl is getting. Outdoor smoking can also generate some lacquer-bubbling heat.

 

[sparrowhawk]

I didn't want to knock the manufacturer but it was a Messina prince by Rossi

 

[cortezattic]

Take this Google search link and search on bubble finish. There are many posts on file.

 

[gloucesterman]

I had a Peterson that blistered. On this pipe it was the rim. I sent it back to Peterson and they fixed it. Lacquer won't set up right if conditions are not correct. Most times they are but occasionally something interferes with the cure. It's quite fixable and won't repeat itself usually.

 

[bigvan]

I think you're being generous when describing Rossi pipes as "mid-grade".

 

[ophiuchus]

My experiences reflect Cortez's comment. Though infrequent, I've had shiny varnish pipes bubble up across a number of manufacturers (all machine). Current Dr. Grabows do this almost routinely. In nearly all cases, it involved a hot coal in the bowl and fairly wintry conditions outside. I'm guessing thin lacquer hardens and doesn't adhere as consistently when cold, separating from the heated wood.

 

[ophiuchus]

(Note to self: Self-edit.)
I don't mean current Grabow's varnish bubble routinely, just often when chuffed in very cold weather. I like Dr. Grabow's. :D