Rustication

Rustication involves roughly working the wood. Tools such as Dremel tools, rasps, files, nails, and more are suitable. This gives the pipe an individual look. Rustication can be uniform, for example with notches, grooves, and furrows, or it can be applied selectively for decoration with ornaments. Rustication is often used when the wood is of excellent quality but less visually appealing due to inclusions of dirt, cracks, or defects. These areas of the wood are rusticated, and the visual flaw disappears. The rest of the beautiful grain remains.

Sandblasting

Sandblasting takes place before staining. The fine sand removes the softer parts of the wood, while the harder parts are less affected. Therefore, the grain of the pipe is still visible after treatment. Imperfections also remain visible, but are no longer noticeable. Different grit sizes and blasting intensities can be used to achieve a variety of final results.

In some cases, rustication is combined with subsequent sandblasting. Both processes increase the surface area, which allows for better heat dissipation and thus promotes a cool smoke. These pipes are also more resistant to impacts, such as from being dropped.

Smooth

Here, the surface is sanded smooth. It is usually treated further, as the light-colored briar wood doesn't readily reveal much of its structure and grain. This can be done, for example, by applying oil. An unstained, only oiled pipe is generally free of defects, as any correction would be immediately noticeable. Staining is usually applied to color the pipe. Dirt inclusions and surface cracks are filled with wood filler. To conceal the filler, the darkest possible stain is used. Lightly stained pipes are, in most cases, completely free of filler. The pipe is then sealed with varnish, carnauba wax, or polishing paste.

When using varnished pipes, it's important to pay attention to the quality. The simplest method involves dipping or brushing the pipe. A thick varnish impairs the pipe's breathability, and moisture from smoking remains trapped in the wood. This can cause the pipe to sputter. Furthermore, poorly lacquered pipes tend to blister because the heat cannot dissipate. Quality pipes, on the other hand, have a breathable, fine, high-gloss coating sprayed on. The pipe then continues to smoke and perform optimally.

In the past, pipes were also covered with a wide variety of materials. A few decades ago, many pipes were sewn into leather. Just a few years ago, there was even a series of models encased in denim.