Staining a Cob

[OSOBUCO]

Anyone ever stain a natural cob? If so what stain did you use? I read where some like leather stain but I was contemplating an oil based wood stain (I have some in the garage ). If you stained it did you also finish it with a shellac or poly? I really enjoyed my cob hiking the other day and I am thinking of getting a couple more to have around the house/car/toolbox/tacklebox/fishing vest, etc and I like to tinker and was just wondering about dressing a couple up.

 

[Sweet Home Alabama]

I dropped one in the toilet which left an awful stain. I gave it to a new pipe smoker but didn't let the person know. Am I going to hell????

 

[tklee]

You mean stain is like repaint it? Like this?

 

[FurCoat]

Use leather dye.

 

[anotherbob]

I dropped one in the toilet which left an awful stain. I gave it to a new pipe smoker but didn't let the person know. Am I going to hell????

yes

 

[OSOBUCO]

Use leather dye.View attachment 139016

Now that is what I mean!! I love the look of that. What did you do exactly @FurCoat

 

[FurCoat]

Now that is what I mean!! I love the look of that. What did you do exactly @FurCoat

I took it in steps. I ran over it lightly with 300 grit. Next I went over it in black with the applicator that comes with the dye. Sand again until you get the amount of black you want to remain. Now if you want more color add whatever you like. I used ox blood on the red one. Give it a light sand and lightly spray some lacquer on the cob. I stuffed a paper towel in the bowl. The speckled one has 4 colors and I did the rim in mahogany.
These were seven day seconds I spruced up.

 

[monty55]

I dropped one in the toilet which left an awful stain. I gave it to a new pipe smoker but didn't let the person know. Am I going to hell????

Absolutely

I was contemplating an oil based wood stain

I would suggest you not use that. It will soak into the cob where it can, and you will forever have that petroleum stain odor wafting in your face as you smoke. That doesn't sound like anything good.

Use alcohol based leather dye. Apply the same way as any other pipe. Use a pipe cleaner, looped to apply. Let dry

 

[monty55]

I took it in steps. I ran over it lightly with 300 grit. Next I went over it in black with the applicator that comes with the dye. Sand again until you get the amount of black you want to remain. Now if you want more color add whatever you like. I used ox blood on the red one. Give it a light sand and lightly spray some lacquer on the cob. I stuffed a paper towel in the bowl. The speckled one has 4 colors and I did the rim in mahogany.
These were seven day seconds I spruced up.

Nice job!!

 

[AppalachianPipe92]

Leather stain (alcohol based).