I just completed my first rod in 30 years. I intend to use U-40 Permagloss for the final finish on the color-locked guide and ferrule wraps. I don't intend to finish the exposed blank sections.

My question: What should/can I use to clean the applicator brush between coats? I understand that I may have to put on five coats to completely cover the threads. I don't have any U-40 brush cleaner, and frankly, I don't want to wait the 5-7 days to obtain it from a supplier and pay the "S&H" charges that are sure to be as much as the cost of the product. Help!?

Hello Patrick
You can use Alcohol- either isoproyl or denatured. Work the bristle well. It takes more cleaning using Alcohol than U-40 Brush cleaner.
Joe Kassuba
HIS Rod Shop

Patrick, welcome to the forum. I've been an interior (house) painter for years and to clean a brush you need to use a wire brush. Those small brass(?) brushes about the size of a tooth brush are fine for rodbuilding/artists brushes. Just stroke in line with the bristles away from the handle with your alcohol or other solvent. this gets the paint/finish out of the butt of the brush. If you allow buildup there it will creep out towards the tips of the bristles with use until the brush becomes useless. I've paint brushes 15 years old plus and rodbuilding brushes I purchased from Clemens that have been used many times and are as good/clean as new. Perma-Gloss contains Zylene so this would clean your brush the best. However, zylene is a hasardous substance so use care. Ralph

If at first you don't succeed, go fishing, then try, try again.

U-40 brush cleaner is GREAT stuff. I won't use anything else to clean brushes,epoxy or permagloss.

Jim

U-40 brush cleaner is GREAT stuff. I won't use anything else to clean brushes,epoxy or permagloss.

Jim

If you are in a bind, Use acetone. It is better than denatured alcohcol. This is the only good use of acetone I have found for rod building. Make sure the brush is throughly dry before repeated use. Permagloss contains xylene (dimethyl benzene). Paintthinner or turpintine would probably work too, but I have not tried it.

Ed Smith

I like to apply Permagloss with a darning needle or a chrochet hook and leave the brush cleaning to those more skilled at it.

Stan Grace
Helena, MT
"Our best is none too good"