What is the best way to apply finish? When i apply it with a brush I get lines where the finish overlaps, so as wide as my brush is i have line...not good. Would a better quality brush help? Thanks in advance. NS

Mr. Spann,

What you described sounds more like a technique problem than a brush problem. I use really cheap, stiff, throw away brushes I order in bulk. I apply epoxy to the wraps while the rod is turning. I am careful to work the epoxy from left to right or vice-versa to smooth out any waves or high spots. You have to blend the finish together without scrubbing bubbles into it. I hold the brush over top of the wraps and let the epoxy flow down onto the rod, all the time moving the brush slightly back and forth. When I reload the brush with epoxy that's when I blend or smooth the finish together. It's alot easier to do than to explain. You might also have the problem you described if you are letting the epoxy sit to long before using it. If I feel the epoxy start to get thicker, I will finish the wrap I am doing and stop. I will continue after I have mixed up more fresh epoxy. Does this problem happen on every wrap? Or does this problem show up and get worse as you work your way down the rod?

Bill Doherty

Yeah, Sully said let the finish wipe off of the brush. I do it about the same way. The reason I use a stiff brush is I don't let the brush actually contact the wraps. The turning rod "wipes" the epoxy away as it flows off of the brush. Good chioce of words Sully.

Bill Doherty

There is something amis if you are getting brush marks. Finish will flow and erase any such marks within seconds. What type finish are you using? This sounds like you may be using a varithane or urethane type which tacks up real quick and would indeed leave brush marks.