Don't Let the Sun, Catch

[smoker13]

the tips of some of your best pipes! I noticed yesterday that a half dozen of my pipes - 3 Dunhills, a pricey Mark Price and a couple Davide Iafisco - stems on the second row of my 4 row bookcase turned into pipe rack had the last half inch to 5/16 inch turned a dull grey.

Needless to say, these are pipes dedicated to blends I don't smoke until the warm weather comes around, so it seems that the late afternoon sun has been gradually doing its thing over these colder months while being out of service.

Needless to say, all are vulcanite, BUT the Mark Price is Bakelite, if that makes a difference. A difference in what, you ask? In remedying the situation, of course.

Is there an easy way to get these stems back to black again, or should I just resign myself to the lesson learned? Yes, they've since been moved and other neighboring pipes thoroughly checked for similar marring.

The only good thing is that the sun-damaged part is the tip of the stem that's in my mouth, so there's that small consolation. BUT, if I can change them back, I would like to.

 

[Zeno Marx]

You can buff out the gray, which is oxidation. Either on a buffing wheel (be careful if you're new to the process), or you can use micromesh to hand buff them. I'm not educated in that process, so other users are best to offer advice for that. Which grades of grit, etc.

 

[smoker13]

Many Thanks, Zeno - The Micro mesh seems like the way to go for me, but I have NO prior experience using it. I would GREATLY appreciate any brother who has used it to offer his wisdom as to the grit to use and just how to use it.

 

[Slowroll]

If they're just gray-ish, and not nasty green, start with about 320 grit wet sandpaper to remove gray, go to 400 grit to remove scratches, then 600 grit and on up the grits to micro esh until it loo,s the way you want, then stop. Or, buy a buffing wheel for a hand drill, use only 320 grit and 400 grit, buy brown and white Tripoli, clamp the drill  in a vice, and buff with brown then white and viola.

 

[smoker13]

Thank You so much for the comprehensive, explicit instructions on getting this job done right, Slowroll. I owe you a debt of gratitude.

 

[daveinlax]

I would never practice on these pipe with sandpaper. I'd start with whitening toothpaste or 3M 05973 polishing compound and Qtips. It takes time but you won't ruin the lines.:shock:

 

[Slowroll]

I would never practice on these pipe with sandpaper. I'd start with whitening toothpaste or 3M 05973 polishing compound and Qtips. It takes time but you won't ruin the lines.:shock:  

320 and 400 wet paper won't ruin the lines with the little amount of rubbing it takes to remove oxidation.  I've done dozens and dozens with no adverse effect. Starting with polishing compound on oxidation is like building a pyramid -- it takes generations. :shock:

 

[KevinM]

… Or you can go to the drug store and buy a small bottle of mineral oil. Mineral oil is an antioxidant used on high end cutlery, though it might not say that on the label. Take the bottle, flip it it upside down for an instant, then take off the cap and dip the tip of your finger into the oil residue on the inside of the cap. Yes, that’s all you need. With your finger tip, Rub, rub, rub this dab into your pipe stem. Instead of wiping off the remainder, just let it sit and return now and then for more brisk fingertip rubbing. I think you’ll stand as one amazed. If you continue to have crud build up on your stem, just scrape it off with your thumb nail, followed by another mineral oil treatment.

 

[Corncobcon]

And please don't get mineral oil mixed up with mineral spirits. They are two different things. As what was said, you get mineral oil at the drug store or in the pharmacy dept. Mineral spirits is for stripping paint and you get it in hardware. So don't use mineral spirits.

 

[KevinM]

And please don't get mineral oil mixed up with mineral spirits.  They are two different things. As what was said, you get mineral oil at the drug store or in the pharmacy dept.  Mineral spirits is for stripping paint and you get it in hardware. So don't use mineral spirits.

Excellent cautionary point, corn cob. I hope it wasn’t gained through harsh experience!

 

[Corncobcon]

And please don't get mineral oil mixed up with mineral spirits.  They are two different things. As what was said, you get mineral oil at the drug store or in the pharmacy dept.  Mineral spirits is for stripping paint and you get it in hardware. So don't use mineral spirits.

Excellent cautionary point, corn cob. I hope it wasn’t gained through harsh experience!

No! :affraid: Never had that problem.

 

[Falcon Puffer]

When I had pipes with ebonite stems, I used some stem polish. You can find it everywhere. Done on a regular basis, it prevents too much oxidation developing.