Refinishing Briar Pipe

[Goofeyfoot]

I have a really awful looking briar no-name which has a cheesy varnish finish. I was thinking of stripping it and putting a decent finish on it. How to do this?

Thanks.

Michael

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Depending on what was used for the finish, the solvent may vary. No name French pipes from the ’50s were sometimes coated with shellac—in that case, denatured alcohol works well as a solvent. You’ll probably want a microcrystalline wax to easily polish the pipe, unless you have a buffer set up for carnauba wax. I’m sure others will chime in with more detailed/useful responses.

 

[Goofeyfoot]

Depending on what was used for the finish, the solvent may vary. No name French pipes from the ’50s were sometimes coated with shellac—in that case, denatured alcohol works well as a solvent. You’ll probably want a microcrystalline wax to easily polish the pipe, unless you have a buffer set up for carnauba wax. I’m sure others will chime in with more detailed/useful responses.

Thanks. Will try it.

 

[edger]

I use Everclear on Dr Grabows to remove the varnish. It doesn’t remove the stain apparently, and is potent enough for a very quick wipe. Don’t over do it! Then I rub in some Howard Wax-It-All, a food grade beeswax, carnauba, and mineral oil combo. Works great on the briar and keeps a restored stem from oxidizing too quickly. Good luck!

 

[Goofeyfoot]

I use Everclear on Dr Grabows to remove the varnish. It doesn’t remove the stain apparently, and is potent enough for a very quick wipe. Don’t over do it! Then I rub in some Howard Wax-It-All, a food grade beeswax, carnauba, and mineral oil combo. Works great on the briar and keeps a restored stem from oxidizing too quickly. Good luck!

Wouldn’t I have to apply some kind of stain also?

Thanks.

 

[mso489]

As an aside, I've often noticed that unfinished or minimally finished pipes smoke especially well. I don't believe it is true, but the illusion is that they somehow breathe or cool off better than finished pipes.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

As an aside, I've often noticed that unfinished or minimally finished pipes smoke especially well. I don't believe it is true, but the illusion is that they somehow breathe or cool off better than finished pipes.

I don't think a stain will inhibit breathing or heat much. Increased surface area surely will, so choose a rusticated pipe if you are looking for this effect.

 

[georged]

DC, are you:


A) a medical doctor who rides a chopper

B) a scholar-type doctor who rides a chopper

C) a magically-good motorcycle mechanic who got nicknamed "Doctor Chopper"

D) someone who once diced up one of the above varieties of doctor with a cleaver?


Enquiring minds want to know...

 

[Jbrewer2002]

DC, are you:


A) a medical doctor who rides a chopper

B) a scholar-type doctor who rides a chopper

C) a magically-good motorcycle mechanic who got nicknamed "Doctor Chopper"

D) someone who once diced up one of the above varieties of doctor with a cleaver?


Enquiring minds want to know...

From reading his post I vote for A.

 

[Doctor Chopper]

DC, are you:


A) a medical doctor who rides a chopper

B) a scholar-type doctor who rides a chopper

C) a magically-good motorcycle mechanic who got nicknamed "Doctor Chopper"

D) someone who once diced up one of the above varieties of doctor with a cleaver?


Enquiring minds want to know...

Can I choose 2?

A is my final answer

 

[georged]

Can I choose 2?

A is my final answer

Verrrry smooth...

The board will now wonder forevermore which of the qualifying pair was omitted.