Hiding pits with dark stain?

Sanding, rusticating, sandblasting, buffing, etc. All here.
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Jthompson1995
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Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by Jthompson1995 »

I'm working on my first briar pipe (4th pipe overall) and a number of small pits have reared their heads on the stummel. The conundrum I have is that the grain on the pipe is really nice, especially the tight Birdseye that wraps down the front of the bowl to the bottom. Will a dark or contrast stain effectively lessen the visibility of the pits? I'd really hate to cover up the grain with rustication.

I'm not sure if I'll be selling the pipe or keeping it for myself yet.
Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsmen can hide his mistakes!
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RadDavis
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by RadDavis »

Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.

Rad
LatakiaLover
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by LatakiaLover »

RadDavis wrote:Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.
He asked about stain, Rad, not asphalt. Pay attention.
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oklahoma red
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by oklahoma red »

He asked about stain, Rad, not asphalt. Pay attention.
ROFLMAO!!
Another of Rad's secrets has been brought to light.
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wdteipen
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by wdteipen »

I agree with Rad. I mean, look what asphalt did for Jimmy Hoffa.
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bregolad
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by bregolad »

RadDavis wrote:Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.

Rad
Seconded.
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by LatakiaLover »

wdteipen wrote:I mean, look what asphalt did for Jimmy Hoffa.
That's funny rat ther, don't care who yar.

(except to Jimmy, I suppose)
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Jthompson1995
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by Jthompson1995 »

Thanks for the info. I wish I had access to a sandblaster, I think this one would have looked pretty good blasted as well.
Anybody can become a woodworker, but only a Craftsmen can hide his mistakes!
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oklahoma red
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Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?

Post by oklahoma red »

In all seriousness, dark stain is part of the answer. Rad is correct that dark stain (or asphalt if you so desire) hides a lot of sins. If you flip to the stem channel and watch George's videos on stem work he mentions using reflections to help determine when you have the surface as smooth as you can get it. Under the right reflective light (very bright light at a shallow viewing angle) your sand pits will be visible because they are a flaw in an otherwise smooth surface. If you fill these pits with some epoxy or slow setting CA glue mixed with fine briar dust (and perhaps a tiny spot of stain), sand smooth then finish with dark stain and your sand pits should be nearly invisible.
Even after filling, these spots would most likely be very visible with a light colored finish. It is very difficult to blend in a fill color-wise with natural or light colored finishes be they on briar or any wooden object.
Chas.
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