Question: Refinishing Bowl Exterior?

[hawke]

Im wondering about the bowl finish on the exterior. I do like a satin finish as well as the glossy finish but often cater to the fell of the raw wood or satin. Carnuba Wax seems to be the choice of many for the glossy finish. Im guessing that shellac or clear pint of sorts would be apt to blister so therefore the wax choice is better in tht regard if one wants the glossy finish.
What about just sanding and applying no finish, wouldnt this allow the pipe to dry out from smoking it better? Air flow and evaporation would be less hindered Im reasoning. If it has shellac or a painted clear finish sanding would not remove all of the sealing properties actually so maybe a bowl made from a raw block with no wax rub or sealing of any kind might be the best way to achieve the "flow through" evaporation idea.
Whats your thoughts or experiences?

 

[coty]

I would be worried about the wood soaking things up and getting tarnished. Maybe an oil finish of some sort? It really lets the woods true nature show through and you don't have to worry about all the problems associated with unfinished wood.

 

[hawke]

I see your point coty. It just dawned on me that the interior has the cake to protect the bowl from the heat but would not stop moisture from evaporating out from the interior of the bowl, even though it is a one-way proposition.
So one side sealed would not be total block to evaporation. The "Time" it takes is not a real issue when utilizing a rotation which I dont really have at this point. That probably effected my reasoning alot.
There are pros and cons to either style I guess.

 

[yachtexplorer]

I have been able to achieve a really nice satin finish on pipes by sanding to a 1500 grit profile and then applying three or four coats of teak oil. You put it on with a rag and wipe off the excess after five minutes, then repeat five or six hours later. It darkens the color slightly and really brings out the grain, much like wetting the wood. You can then either wax over the top for a nice shine or leave it along for the satin finish. Teak oil can be found at any marine supply store or on ebay. This is the one I use

 

[drwatson]

Bare wood will pick up oils,dirt from your hands and surroundings. Varnish can bubble with the heat. I have noticed that they seem to smoke alittle hotter at times. Maybe this is because heat can't escape. Wax is the best way to go, you could always just put it on lightly. Or there is a place called Walker Briar Works that has a wax kit, this could be applied by hand and give a much lightly coat.