Question About Shining the Rim

[Mike N]

The toughest thing for me in rehabbing a pipe is bringing back the shine to the rim of a briar billiard. No matter how much oiling and polishing I can’t seem to make the rim look new. I’ve resorted to applying a thin coat or two of shellac to the rim (only) so as not to seal the entire bowl but to make it look decent. The first photo is after applying shellac.

Any alternative suggestions appreciate. Thank.

 

[verporchting]

Spit and elbow grease are my go to choices when cleaning the pipe rim but no amount of cleaning can undo it all. Rims darken. It’s just the way it is. I don’t believe you can achieve a new look with a pipe that has been regularly smoked although you can certainly make it much much better! Just my opinion though.

 

[jpmcwjr]

I think you're onto something. I believe some pipe makers do that, and while it won't prevent rim sooting, it'll be easier to clean.

 

[tex01]

The only safe way is Carnauba wax.

Fine sand(1000) the rim down to un-darkened wood. Shape it as it originally was or as you please.
3000 grit to finish.
Fast buffer with Carnauba.

 

[Sig]

After years of use the only way to get a perfectly clean rim is to sand it.
Then you need to match the stain and such.
I just leave them a bit dark, im just going to be smoking the pipe again anyways.

 

[jpmcwjr]

The only safe way is Carnauba wax.

Fine sand(1000) the rim down to un-darkened wood. Shape it as it originally was or as you please.
3000 grit to finish.
Fast buffer with Carnauba.

What is poor about other methods?

Also, if sanding, why take off the stain?

 

[Revnatorade C.P.G.]

Micromesh pads seem to do the tick for me. If the finish wears a bit then I'll apply some touch up with a furniture marker, which has some shellac in it. Then I hit it again with the 12000 grit micro mesh. Then some carunauba wax and a flannel wheel finishes it up.

 

[craig61a]

A somewhat worn ScotchBrite pad and warm water and soap is what works best for me. And you don’t have to bear down on it, just gently work it until you’ve removed the tar/etc. This will usually leave the stain intact as well.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Anything that avoids sanding, restaining, etc. is "a good thing". (Thanks, Martha Stewart!)

 

[jaingorenard]

Micromesh pads seem to do the tick for me. If the finish wears a bit then I'll apply some touch up with a furniture marker, which has some shellac in it. Then I hit it again with the 12000 grit micro mesh. Then some carunauba wax and a flannel wheel finishes it up.

Yep, once cleaned I usually give it a quick go with the finer micro mesh grades, followed by carnauba and then buffing with a cotton wheel with nothing on it.

 

[captpat]

A bit of water and a magic eraser seems to work for me`

 

[Chasing Embers]

so as not to seal the entire bowl

Many artisans use shellac on the entire stummel to prevent stain bleeding. Briar doesn't really breathe so no concern with sealing it. A damp paper towel does a fine job with rim cleaning.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Many artisans use shellac on the entire stummel to prevent stain bleeding. Briar doesn't really breathe so no concern with sealing it. A damp paper towel does a fine job with rim cleaning.

I am thinking that some apply extra coatings on the rim. Perhaps varnish on just the rim.

Paper towel is great when there's very little lava, but a pad, detergent and hot water make heavy stuff disappear quicker.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Paper towel is great when there's very little lava,

Never used anything else on ever the heaviest buildup on estates cleanups and it never took more than a few minutes. Pads run the risk of removing stain.

 

[Mike N]

Those are some very helpful responses. Thanks.

I might add that I do use Murphy's Oil Soap which works great on any wood finish. But the "sheen" is gone, hence my resort to shellac if Carnauba wax isn't enough on the buffing wheel.

 

[ssjones]

A somewhat worn ScotchBrite pad and warm water and soap is what works best for me. And you don’t have to bear down on it, just gently work it until you’ve removed the tar/etc. This will usually leave the stain intact as well.

There’s more than one way to skin a cat.

Bingo, that's been my preferred method. Then buff with white diamond on a wheel, then several coats of carnuba wax. Remember:
The polishing compound (white diamond) brings up the shine (polishing means to remove all visible scratches)
Carnuba wax protects the finish (could add a little luster)
Just like a cars paint finish.

On the Shellac, I would be afraid the heat from the match/lighter would bubble or damage that finish?

If you want to completely remove darkening, you can fine wet sand with up to 2000 grit or even finer with micromesh or equivalent. then buff as above.