Tarred and Feathered! (Cleaning & Polishing) Pipe Rim.

[johnnyrebel]

So this weekend i picked up some quite fancy estate pipes, and they have substantial amounts of carbon on the rims. It seems like when i go ahead with cleaning the rim(the classic spit shine method), i find that the rim is usually rather dull.
To my actual question now, i was wondering if the carbon build up actually damages the finish on the rim or if it just pulls the luster off when its cleaned and just needs a good buffing? I've seen a few of you guys clean up rims really nice, and im curious what exactly you guys do...and if you let me in on the big secret, i might..JUST MIGHT post pictures!! :lol:

 

[rodserling]

The disposable tips for roll-your-own cigarettes work very well, moistened with, you guessed it, saliva. They are very mildly abrasive. Dull the finish somewhat but nothing a touch of wax won't cure. Not bad for getting rid of oxidation on stems as well...

 

[ssjones]

I buff mine on a wheel with some white diamond to bring back the shine, than with carnuba to protect the rim. You might be able to get some shine back by hand.