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Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 10:12 pm
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.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 10:38 pm
by RadDavis
Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.
Rad
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 11:44 pm
by LatakiaLover
RadDavis wrote:Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.
He asked about
stain, Rad, not asphalt. Pay attention.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 11:59 pm
by oklahoma red
He asked about stain, Rad, not asphalt. Pay attention.
ROFLMAO!!
Another of Rad's secrets has been brought to light.
Chas.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 7:47 am
by wdteipen
I agree with Rad. I mean, look what asphalt did for Jimmy Hoffa.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 9:06 am
by bregolad
RadDavis wrote:Dark stain can hide a multitude of sins.
Rad
Seconded.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 2:14 pm
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)
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 6:33 pm
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.
Re: Hiding pits with dark stain?
Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 10:47 pm
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.