Noob question on staining part II

[Artemisius]

After i've used the dye ( usually fiebing's), the colours on the pipe are always opaque. What can i do to improve the colours and to make them appear less opaque? Do i need to buff the pipe? How?

[DocAitch]

The stain must be buffed eventually. I use a thin shellac coat which can be rubbed to even out the stain- I use a make up pad.
I sometimes sand after this dries to achieve greater contrast, then you can use either an oil or more shellac before buffing.
I generally buff with Tripoli on a wheel (Beall system). For tight areas, you can buff with a strip by hand- fix the pipe in place with a jam chuck or senior reamer, or fix one end of your cloth strip and move the pipe.
If you buff before shellac or oil, the wax/grease matrix of the buffing compound may interfere with finishes.
DocAitch

[Artemisius]

as always, you're very helpful, thank you DocAitch. Right now i'm making an octagonal billiard, following youre advice on how to make one. Well'se how it goes. Thank you!