Polishing Before or After Dying the Briar?

[Pipeponderer]

Just a quick question, when polishing the briar with micro mesh pads, do you get the best result if you do it before you have dyed the pipe or after?

cheers!

EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title - Bob

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

I don't know if micromesh pads are way to go, but wait for the advice from more knowledgeable people

 

[dcon]

Are you making a pipe or restoring?

 

[Pipeponderer]

Are you making a pipe or restoring?

restoring, ive been sanding down the old coat from the pipe and normally i would dye it then polishing it, but i thought maybe the other way around is better

 

[didimauw]

I always use micromesh first then stain, unless you are looking for a contrasting stain, then you stain and then micromesh and then stain again. Something I've never done, seems out of my skill range.

 

[Pipeponderer]

I always use micromesh first then stain, unless you are looking for a contrasting stain, then you stain and then micromesh and then stain again. Something I've never done, seems out of my skill range.

okey, nice one! cheers

 

[dcon]

I would say the answer is both. I would stain while the grain is a little more open before going to higher numbers but, would be open to putting on additional stain and repeating the process if the depth of color is not to your standard.

 

[saintpeter]

I use alcohol based stains and set them with fire. I find (for me) it is best to finish any and all sanding before staining. Contrast staining is different, but I have stopped doing that simply from personal choice,

 

[craig61a]

I would polish the briar, then apply the stain. That’s not a hard and fast rule, but if you’re micromeshing, you’re not removing a lot of material.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The only time I use sandpaper or micromesh on briar is when I'm making a pipe, then polish and wax after setting the stain with a flame.

 

[Pipeponderer]

Nice, thanks for all your inputs! When u put the dye on after you micro mesh it, Will that not remove alot of the polishing effect it has?

 

[sumusfumus]

Take a piece of scrap briar, or work on a junked pipe....and try both methods, to sharpen up your finishing techniques.

Experience, is the best teacher.

 

[ssjones]

Nice, thanks for all your inputs! When u put the dye on after you micro mesh it, Will that not remove alot of the polishing effect it has?

It will need a final polish with White Diamond and Carnuba wax. The stain won't "remove" anything, just give it a dull, flat finish