Applying Shellac

[The Smoking Yeti]

Simple question- how would you apply a thin coat of shellac to thine pipe? t-shirt? diaper cloth? I'm looking for a better material.

[RadDavis]

I use extra fluffy pipe cleaners from BJ Long.

Rad

[Ocelot55]

I use extra fluffy pipe cleaners from BJ Long.

Rad

+1

[caskwith]

I use a paintbrush.

[RadDavis]

I use a paintbrush.

Pipe cleaners are cheaper, and you don't have to clean 'em.

Rad

[baweaverpipes]

I use extra fluffy pipe cleaners from BJ Long.

Rad

Is that why some of your pipes look like they are growing hair?

[caskwith]

I use a paintbrush.

Pipe cleaners are cheaper, and you don't have to clean 'em.

Rad

Ahh well I don't have to clean it

(goat hair mop brush, glued into the lid of my shellac bottle so it is always submerged. Can cover a pipe in just a few quick strokes so less chance of pulling out stain)

[SchmidtN]

I've watched Mr. King use a paint brush and I use a piece of clean rag on a latex glove.

[wdteipen]

I use a small cheap paintbrush.

[RadDavis]

I use extra fluffy pipe cleaners from BJ Long.

Rad

Is that why some of your pipes look like they are growing hair?

No, no. That's from buffing while the shellac's still wet.

Rad

[andrew]

It's good to keep some on the wheel
That way It's hard to forget.

[AaronC]

I've been using a cotton ball wrapped in a piece of lint-free paper towel.

[RadDavis]

Well, my method is the right one, and everyone else is just silly.

Rad

[baweaverpipes]

Well, my method is the right one, and everyone else is just silly.

Rad

Rod is correct and all of you should pay heed. Rod uses BJ Long's and I use Blitz. I find that BJ Long have too much loose fuzz, while the Blitz cleaners have less fuzz.
I guess it comes down to the fact that Rod has a beard and I don't.

Pipe cleaners are simple, easy and cheap. Just fold it in half, put it into a bastardized stem, or whatever and use it as a paintbrush, rag or whatever.

Rod and I do it the right way. Gnat King and the rest of you are wrong.

I don't care if this helps, Rod is right and the rest of you are way off base. Are all of you smoking meth in your pipes?

[oklahoma red]

Airbrush. No possible chance for fuzz.
Chas.

[AaronC]

Are all of you smoking meth in your pipes?

Not only NO but, HELL NO!

Aside from that. As I have yet to complete a pipe with a great finish, I would certainly concede that my way is sure to not be the best or right way. I will try some fluffy cleaners in my future attempts. Your guidance is much appreciated! All of you, Thank You.

[e Markle]

Are all of you smoking meth in your pipes?

To borrow an oft repeated phrase from my friend Tyler Beard, "it's unclear."

[PremalChheda]

Simple question- how would you apply a thin coat of shellac to thine pipe? t-shirt? diaper cloth? I'm looking for a better material.

For Smooth pipes, do a search on French Polishing. With some small adjustments, you can do a quick version to get a very thin coat of shellac on the pipe nice and even. Cheese cloth works great as an applicator. For sandblast or carved, a small brush works great.

[SimeonTurner]

I dip my pipes in lacquer. I find the bowl coating the laquer provides is far superior to charcoal etc, and I get a nice even coat on the outside of the bowl.

I believe Bo Nordh used the same technique, if I am not mistaken.

I hope this helps make things unclear.

[taharris]

I dip my pipes in lacquer. I find the bowl coating the laquer provides is far superior to charcoal etc, and I get a nice even coat on the outside of the bowl.

I believe Bo Nordh used the same technique, if I am not mistaken.

I hope this helps make things unclear.

Is that safe to smoke? Does the laquer impart any flavor to the first few smokes?

Todd