Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Other Technical Questions... => Topic started by: logoman on November 06, 2008, 09:42:22 am

Title: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: logoman on November 06, 2008, 09:42:22 am
I'm using X poxy finishing resin, but on the pack there are no details on what to use for cleaning brushes etc.
I've tried brush cleaner, but that's not working properly, neither is cellulose thinners.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Captain Jack on November 06, 2008, 09:57:25 am
Acetone is the answer....get it from the local hardware store. One note of caution though, if you're using nylon bristle brushes, it will eat the bristle as well. Natural hair brushes are the best.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 06, 2008, 09:59:50 am
Resin is extremely difficult to shift from brushes and virtually impossible once it has started to cure. Acetone will work on "wet" resin but it's not easy to come by these days, try a yacht chandlers, and very expensive.  Most people use cheapo brushes to apply the resin and throw them away afterwards.

Colin
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Garabaldy on November 06, 2008, 01:20:05 pm
a good source of cheap brushes are pastry brushes.  i bought a stack of them a few weeks ago.  50P each!
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: BarryM on November 06, 2008, 01:26:33 pm
http://www.cfsnet.co.uk for acetone at £8.86 per 5 litre plus P&P

Barry M
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: BobF on November 06, 2008, 03:27:24 pm
Hi all, I replied to this question once before and got shot down in flames, but I am going to repeat what I said then.
I use meths,  but I don't try to clean the brushes of old resin, I just dip them in a small amount of meths wipe with a tissue and then drop into a tall jar with one inch of meths in the bottom and screw on the lid. When wanted next time, I just knock out the bristles on a piece of rough timber and use. It was said last time to use cheap brushes and then through them away. I am still using the same three brushes, I've lost track of time but it must be four years or longer. The same three brushes, one top up of clean meths. Total cost about fifty pence. And no annoying bristles spoiling the finish either.
Strangely, the bristles have all stayed straight, despite standing on their heads.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: andyn on November 06, 2008, 03:36:56 pm
If you go down to your local QD (I think, mum got them), suitable paintbrushes for this are 15p each.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: boatmadman on November 06, 2008, 05:36:24 pm
Acetone is readily available at hairdresser supply shops (apparently  ok2)
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: logoman on November 06, 2008, 08:24:35 pm
cheers fellas.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Captain Jack on November 07, 2008, 12:36:51 am
Acetone is readily available at hairdresser supply shops (apparently  ok2)
[/quote}
Indeed it is. It's the main ingrediant in finger nail polish remover!
Quite expensive buying it there though. About $3.00 per gallon at your local hardware store here in the States.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: andygh on November 07, 2008, 05:02:56 am
It's not available at hardware superstores here in the yew kay, you can't even get sanding sealer in them any more  <:(
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Colin Bishop on November 07, 2008, 09:02:11 am
I think acetone is classified as a bit dangerous - fumes and inflammability - which is why only specialist shops like boat chandlers stock it.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: GreeboTheCat on November 07, 2008, 11:08:59 am
Most chemists sell acetone but only in small bottles.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: BarryM on November 07, 2008, 12:46:41 pm
http://www.glasplies.co.uk/
http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/store/
http://www.fibretechgb.co.uk/
http://www.cfsnet.co.uk/
http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Mould-Making-and-Casting-Supplies

For acetone in various qualities and quantities from 1litre to 100 litres. 

Barry M
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Peter Fitness on November 08, 2008, 04:00:54 am
I think acetone is classified as a bit dangerous - fumes and inflammability - which is why only specialist shops like boat chandlers stock it.

Very interesting. It is readily available at most hardware stores here in Australia, I use it to clean epoxy from brushes. Perhaps our government is not as caring about our health as yours   {:-{

Peter.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Seaspray on November 08, 2008, 07:20:42 am
I time resin jobs and have two little pots full of the cleaner that I am going to use.

Time because I give the brush enough time to do the job before it starts to go off then start to clean it. If need be I switch to another clean brush to complete the job.

Two pots one for cleaning most if not all of the resin off, and leave the brush in the second one for a little time as a final soak refresh clean. I then shake as much cleaner out of the clean brush then store in a plastic bag after it is dry.

The key to the job is to start to clean before the resin starts in anyway to cure.

Seaspray
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: Bryan Young on November 18, 2008, 06:03:10 pm
I would have thought that any outfit selling you glass sheet and resin would also be able to supply you with acetone. All my local suppliers do...and it's pretty cheap. As an aside...nail varnish remover seems to be the same stuff, so how do cosmetic outfits justify their outlandish prices just because of a bottle. (I know because my brother-in-law supplies the bottles!) Cheers.
Title: Re: cleaning resin off brushes
Post by: logoman on December 01, 2008, 10:46:38 pm
I just tried Biological laundry liquid. took the epoxy off the brush easily.