I used regular old sand paper and a sanding block. The sanding block was one of those soft sponge-like blocks that you can buy right next to the regular sandpaper. I used course, medium, fine, and super fine grit sandpaper. I didn't use any special techniques. I just sanded them down. One was a laquered pipe that had bubbled and the other had a kapet finish which is a golden rusticated look that I wasn't that into. I sanded them smooth paying close attention to the shape of the pipe. You can sand too much in one area causing irregularities, but they're easy to fix. You just sand a little more on the other side. This was especially true of the pipes rim. Both pipes ended up with, of course, their natural finish. I used carnuba wax on both. The more you wax the darker it tends to get. I imagine you could experiment with finishes. I prefer the natural look with the wax for some protection. I love their look, they smoke great, and it was fun. Both pipes feel slightly lighter and very soft in the hand. I also removed the cheap tacky silver ring that Peterson applies to their pipes. The pipes look a hundred times better without the ring. If the pipe you sand down has a ring, you can remove it, but it will not fit back on after sanding. If you love your pipes silver or gold ring do not sand and wax the pipe, for the ring will be useless afterwards.
