Varnished Pipe Refinishing Question

[durham270]

I have this pipe by Bari and just wondering what might be the best way of refinishing? Notice the scuff spots in the varnished finish. I'd like to take the easiest and quickest route if possible but still end up with a nice looking pipe and maybe even so be able to bring the grain details out more. I'm not sure if the only way of removing these scuffs will be removing the varnish. I hope the images help in showing the condition. Thanks ahead of time for your help.
This Bari pipe is only 5 inches long and has a nice 2 inch deep chamber.

 

[ejames]

If the varnish is just scuffed a good buffing should get rid of most of it. If it is chipped buffing can make it less noticeable. It is possible on a chip or bubble to apply a drop of acetone on a q-tip and rub the area to soften the lacquer/varnish enough to spread some of it over the damaged area. let it dry and buff. That can be risky!! Might be best to strip it,which may change the color somewhat as the varnishes are often tinted.

 

[nsfisher]

You will have a much better pipe without the varnish. Just my opinion

 

[durham270]

Thanks for your help James. I ended up doing a light sanding with 3M 1200 grit superfine and removed the light layer of varnish. These images are the results.

You will have a much better pipe without the varnish. Just my opinion

I'm sure with you on this nsfisher. I prefer either non-finish or a light satin myself. Most any pipe I have if it comes varnished I soon remove it unless it's just a very high end pipe which I have only a few.

 

[homeatsea]

That looks significantly better, in my opinion. Well done.

 

[micdabutcher]

I have an old no name pipe my dad gave me that he vanished when he was 20. He's 68 tomorrow and hasn't smoked this pipe for about 40 years. I sanded back the varnish yesterday and discovered beautiful briar grain that wasn't visible before. It's like finding a treasure. I prefer the finish you ended up with on this one. Looks lovely.

 

[dragonslayer]

Looks much better IMO, great job.

 

[salewis]

About three years ago I bought a Peterson Killarney new. I did not realize that this on-line purchased pipes are varnished pipes. This was the quite a negative surprise. However, I am happy to report that this varnished Killarney pipe has smoked very well and while I was going to initially remove the varnish I am glad that I stuck with this pipe the way is was made.

 

[numbersix]

Nice work - looks beautiful.

 

[instymp]

Beautiful wood, done good.

 

[ssjones]

Much better. I think you and nfisher were saying the same thing (take the varnish off)

 

[kashmir]

With a varnished pipe, I will gently sand it down, clean the surface with alcohol wipes, and either restrain it or just apply carnuba wax and buff it to a shine. Looks like you did real fine. Love the bird's eye.