Does anybody know what the chemical epoxy brush cleaner is made out of? I go through enough that ordering it 2 oz. at a time is ridiculous. I want to buy in bulk but don't know what the chemical is.
James

I use XYLOL, its an epoxy thinner, Any paint store sells it for about 15 bucks a gallon

I use mid-temp lacquer thinner I get from Home Depot

Bill - willierods.com

I don't know what's in it, but the U-40 brush cleaner is amazing stuff...it solves everything! AND it is not harsh on the hands.
It is listed as available in half gallons on the Trondak website.


Walt

James,
I use Xylene to clean epoxy and it works very well.
I you look on the side of the can, it specifically indicates that it is a cleaner for epoxies.
Remember, Xylene and Xylol fumes are very toxic. So, be sure to use super ventilation if you use either of these chemicals.

Acetone has about the same toxicity level, so this is also one that needs to be used very carefully.

---
The best thing with respect to cleaning epoxy filled brushes is to NOT clean the brushes.

Rather - buy inexpensive brushes, and throw them away after one use.

I buy brushes for about 4 cents each in quantities of 100 and they work just fine for applying finish.

To apply heavy glue up type epoxies, I use a popcicle stick - 0 cost. ( the sticks come with the popcicles. )

I have tried many different brushes over the years, - inexpensive to very expensive. I really find no difference in the finished product, so can find no reason to use an expensive brush that needs to be cleaned.


Take care
Roger

Disposable brushes save time and $$ as brushes end up costing less than the solvent if you can find a good deal.

I agree with the above. I buy craft brushes and popsicle sticks by the hundreds at Wally World in the Craft Dept. See no reason to do otherwise.
Use them and throw them away. I even mix my finish with one of the used plastic brush handles.

J.B.Hunt
Bowling Green, KY

I save my pennies and the dollars follow. I put a little in small mayonnaise jars with a good top seal. Lasts a long time.

Bill - willierods.com

I agree entirely that the U40 brush cleaner is awesome stuff but I would rather buy in bulk and not have to ship it. Thank you to those of you who supplied chemical names that I will check out. This should save me a significant amount of money. Thank you all again.
James - Sporting Wood Technologies

James,

When I apply finish, I pour some 91% alcohol in a finishing cup. I put the brush in the alcohol when I'm finished applying finish. Since I hand turn the rod, by the time the finish sets enough to allow me to walk away for 5 minutes or so to clean the brush, it takes little more than another quick rinse in alcohol and a good flushing with tap water. Alcohol isn't very expensive and works well enough to clean up anything I've used in rod building.

I prefer the tip styles available on artist type brushes to the disposable ones. I just feel I have more control over where I'm putting the epoxy.

Joe

I haven't checked the labels, but everything that is used to describe this brush cleaner indicates that it's primary ingredient is Diethylene Glycol Monobutyl Ether, otherwise known by the trade name Butyl Carbitol. It has exactly the properties described above. It can be purchased by the gallon from a variety of chemicals suppliers. If you do a web search for chemical supplies in your area you should find someone. For example, it is available in a variety of sizes (gallons, pails, barrels) in Houston from a company called Sweetlake Chemicals. That particular company doesn't do retail (wholesale only), but any company of that type could point you in the right direction.

Bill & Martha Cason
Cason Custom Rod Finishes, LLC
Houston, TX

Home of Cason's Crystal Clear Color Preservers.