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Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Wed Apr 19, 2017 11:26 pm
by Pkspecial23
Hey guys,
In general, when finishing a freehand, how do you properly finish the plateaux section around the bowl and/or mortise? Should I stain? Do I use the regular buffing process or is there some special way of doing it? Thanks fellas.

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 12:45 am
by sandahlpipe
Stain and seal with shellac. Don't buff. Or you can try a more difficult way and buff.

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 7:56 am
by wdteipen
I'm assuming you've removed all the bark. If not, you have to remove all the bark. The easiest way is to sandblast it off. A stiff nylon bristle brush will take it off with elbow grease. A dental pick works for stubborn pieces. I finish plateaux the same way I finish any other part of the pipe except it's not necessary to buff with tripoli. Stain, shellac, then wax. If the wax builds up, heat it with a heat gun then rebuff.

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 2:55 pm
by Pkspecial23
Got it. Thank you sirs.

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:01 pm
by Pkspecial23
Also, can I just use run of the mill shellac from Home Depot? Or do I need something specialized?

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Thu Apr 20, 2017 3:05 pm
by sandahlpipe
Yes. Bullesye shellac works fine. You can add denatured alcohol to thin it out.

Re: Buffing plateaux?

Posted: Fri Apr 21, 2017 6:22 pm
by Pkspecial23
Thank you!