Pipe Finish Dulling

[tmgaus51]

Please forgive the photos and the shoddy Paint work--
I have a few pipes where it looks like the finish is dulled in some parts (one after applying a bit of saliva to the rim to rub out a char mark, and one I believe just came that way). I'm not able to tell if these have been finished with wax, shellac, or what have you, but in any case, it looks like the top layer of finish on these is gone.
Just wondering, does this affect anything but aesthetics? Is there any way to restore the original look without the whole sand and restain process? I've tried Paragon wax to no avail.
Thanks for the help! - Dave

 

[Waning Embers]

Looks like something carnuba and a buffer could fix. I used to worry about keeping them glossy, but after years, I like them to have a worn broken in look.

 

[tmgaus51]

Thanks for the advice. So I guess the lack of wax doesn't make the pipe any more vulnerable to charring/burnout etc.?

 

[phil67]

Thanks for the advice. So I guess the lack of wax doesn't make the pipe any more vulnerable to charring/burnout etc.?

Simple answer... none whatsoever. Don't be concerned about it unless the aesthetic aspect of it bothers you. As for me, I no longer pay much attention to it.

 

[jpmcwjr]

And you'd not be able to clean the rim as you did if it were truly charred- when the wood has been burned, not just scorched or sooted.
Agree with the above- it's just aesthetics. My guess is the pipe shown above has a layer of shellac under the wax, and it's gone in those spots.

 

[tmgaus51]

Thanks for the replies!

 

[clickklick]

Honestly, the easiest way to restore the shine is with a cloth and a very light smidge of peanut oil.
This is by far the easiest way to do it by hand without a buffing wheel setup.

 

[mso489]

I have two or three of the Bentons that Iwan Ries used to sell as house pipes (stamped Iwan Ries), and they all have some of this wear on the finish after years of smoking. I can assure you it has no effect on their smoking characteristics, and chiming in with chase", I find the patina an attribute, an enhancement not ugly. You can fix it up with wax, although that will require some maintenance. I would enjoy the effect rather than "repair" it.