Wax Deposits

[garageb08]

Ok, trying to wax and buff. I have used paragon, Halcyon, and carnauba waxes. I have read not to use certain types on rusticated/blasted pipes. But I have tried anyways. I am learning...trial and error. Well, needless to say I have deposits or wax build up in the nooks. How can one remedy this. Help, I have made a couple of nice pipes look shabby.

 

[lordnoble]

Great question! I'm interested in hearing how you guys get the wax out of rusticated areas too!
-Jason

 

[nightmarejones]

I used carnuba on a rusticated pipe one and had the same problem.I smoked it anyway and most of the buildup rubbed/came off when the briar heated up, the rest I got of with a toothpick [while it was warm as well].I don't have any experience with the other waxes though.Hopefully that helps you out.

 

[lankfordjl]

I carefully hold the pipe near the flame of my Zippo (or candle flame) and the small deposits of carnauba wax in the crevices melt smooth. There's no soot or damage to the pipe. Then I buff it again by hand with Briar Pipe Wipe.

 

[bigvan]

At the pipe making seminar in Chicago, Mike Butera showed me to use a lighter on the wax build up until it was soft then rebuff and repeat as necessary. I hope this helps.

 

[mlaug]

I use a blow dryer set on low. Warm the wax and wipe off with a Q-tip or tissue.

 

[garageb08]

I'm glad, well, poor choice of words. But, anyways I am happy to hear I'm not just a klutz, and others are having the same problem. Yeah, Nightmare...that does help. You are right about the warmth of the briar maybe heating the wax and my hands just rubbing it off over time. They say the paragon dries really hard....and they say for smooth finish pipes only. I don't listen very well. I do use the teadious method...tooth pick, etc...also. I may be stuck doing that. But to get the pipe back to normal I will spend the time.

 

[garageb08]

All great answers and logical once you think about it. Thanks y'all. Stupid me, I was at the Chicago pipe show for the first time this year, but left early Saturday before the seminars. Next time.

 

[photoman13]

I heat the bowl with a Zippo real quick to soften the wax. Then I use a towel, rougher than used for smooth finish, to remove the excess carnuba. As I have said in other threads I use Walker Briar Works' carnuba wax that doesn't require a buffer.

 

[ejames]

I like to use Halcyon II on rusticated pipes because of the way carnuba tends to build up in the nooks and crannies. I apply the Halcyon with a tiny brush which helps to get it down into those nooks and crannies,then I rub the bowl down with a finger to make sure the entire surface is covered. Once the wax dries,I "buff" the pipe with a soft toothbrush (any soft bristle brush will work) which again gets down into the nooks and crannies and then finish up with a soft cotton cloth.

 

[photoman13]

I always heard a toothbrush could take off stain or lacquer. Have you experienced this ejames?

 

[ocpsdan]

+1 mlaug