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I have just started the process of pipe making and am currently in the middle of sanding a pipe I am working on. I have run across something that I did not expect. It seems that as I get the pipe smoother and smoother the briar seems to have a dirty look to it. Since I am new to this I didnt know if if was a normal occurance or maybe oil and dirt from my hands were getting on the pipe or some other thing I do not know of. Has anyone ever come across this? Any answers or expanations would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

I've never seen this before. A couple questions:
- what briar
- what kind of paper
- what method of sanding
- what grit are you up to

I had this problem with my first pipe because my hands got dirty in the shop. I now just wash them before starting finish work.

when I get past 220 grit, I tend to wear acrylic or latex gloves for the rest of the sanding. Your hands get dirty and sweaty and that transfers to the stummel. The sweat can even allow for areas that won't take stain because of the oils in your skin.