There have been a handful of recent posts on finishing brushes and spatulas. Thought I would share the specs on my favorite brushes. The Royal #1 Soft Grip SG4010 has a one quarter inch wide X one quarter inch long stiff white synthetic bristle. This is my work horse "spatula." The second favorite-most is the #2 Royal Soft Grip SG155 with a one eigth inch wide X three sixteenths inch long natural bristle. This is the brush for detail work around guide feet and also works well for "cutting" wrap edges. The last of the favorites is the #2 Royal Soft Grip SG150. This brush is identical to the SG155 except that the natural bristle is one quarter inch long. I use this brush to gently "pull" thin coats of epoxy across inscriptions. I've had no problems with any of these brushes introducing bubbles or losing bristles. They're made with a thick tacky rubber section just above the metal band that holds the bristles, so they are comfortable and easy to steady. "Michael's" craft stores sell these for less than four dollars apiece. Very Best Regards, Vance

How do you clean them without ruining the rubber section which holds the bristles? I usually let my brush sit in that U40 Solvent stuff, and found out that when the handle of the brush is painted, it will come off the first few times in the Solvent.

I use plumber's "acid brushes" with the rolled metal handles. They're pretty stiff; 1/2" wide if you want them stiffer or narrower snip off the unwanted bristles. When you're done with them toss them out. Very inexpensive and no time wasted in cleaning brushes or worry about any cross contamination. For very narrow applications - tough to beat a metal spatula. I've seen them at Harbor Freight ($2.50 for a set of 5).

Ken,
Who do you think you are kidding? We know that you use your dog's tail to apply epoxy.

Billy... These brushes clean up nicely with 70% ISO alcohol and a final cleaning with Flex Coat brush cleaner. Only takes a minute. Best, Vance

Emory -
NO - The dog's fur is much too soft. Besides her job is to test the hanging bamboo rods to see if the varnish is cured. Since I started the workshop overhaul she's stayed out of the way. I thought by now I'd have doggie tracks all through the new paint on the floor. I think I've got her really scared of the work area now.

I'm with Ken Preston, I use the metal flux brushes 3/8" buy them by the Gross $14.95 (I think) work well for throwaways!

I too use "acid brushes" for finishing. Before use I use a razor blade to cut the end at a 45* angle, makes it easier to dab finish under guide frames. The brushes are cheap, clean easily. I discard them after several uses- sometimes after one use - depending on mood.

Also, for me their coarse bristles seem to result in fewer bubbles being transferred from brush to rod.

Where can these brushes be bought??

Mike

I use flat artists brushes from 1/8" to 1/2" wide. I learned from my oil painting days to clean them w/ alcohol and follow it with soap and water. I do the soap and water bit when washing my hands after the epoxy job. John Butterfield

John... Your Email reminded me that I did not note in my post that the brushes I recommended are "flat" artists brushes, and that is important. Thanks, Sir! Best, Vance

I actually use the cheap nylon bristled brushes that come in a pack of 10 for less than $2.00 at the craft stores. They work fine for me with both types of flex coat and I just throw them out when I'm done.

Lou

John... Your Email reminded me that I did not note in my post that the brushes I recommended are "flat" artists brushes, and that is important. Thanks, Sir! Best, Vance

I use spatulas made from plastic cutlery, as well as fake credit cards/SIM card holder cards.

I use my dog's tail to make bucktails. Tan Brown and white.