Model Boat Mayhem

Technical, Techniques, Hints, and Tips => Painting, Finishing and Care. => Topic started by: ukmike on August 05, 2019, 03:51:13 pm

Title: Varnish brush cleaning
Post by: ukmike on August 05, 2019, 03:51:13 pm
Hello.


No matter what I do, I can't seem to successfully clean the brushes that I am using for varnishing,(Tung Oil based).
Have tried White Spirit and Pure Turpentine to clean after use but without much success.
I've tried soaked them immediately after use and vigorously swished them around several times before more swishing in a jar of clean spirit then
blot them with clean linen before washing in warm water and a little washing up liquid, finally rinsing in clean warm water.


To eliminate airborne dust etc. I have made a paint booth which helped quite a lot but I'm convinced the remaining nibs are coming from the brushes themselves.
The brushes are Royal and Langnickel, L283 1" and Royal SG950 3/4", both types are showing the same symptoms.
Any suggestions will be greatfully accepted and tried.


Mike.





Title: Re: Varnish brush cleaning
Post by: Buccaneer on August 05, 2019, 07:51:55 pm
Hello Mike
Have you tried Cellulose Cleaner/Thinners? I also have the remains of an old tin of Hammerite Brush Cleaner/Thinners which seems to clean anything I ask of it as a last resort.

John

Title: Re: Varnish brush cleaning
Post by: ukmike on August 05, 2019, 09:44:49 pm
Thanks for that John.I have some stuff called Gun Wash which is claimed to be the strongest cellulose thinners produced.Also, am a little worried that it might melt the very fine bristles but it's worth a go.The annoying part is having to wait a couple of days before I can sand out the nibs out before trying again.
Mike.
Title: Re: Varnish brush cleaning
Post by: RST on August 08, 2019, 09:06:43 pm
Just a minute...
Quote
I've tried soaked them immediately after use and vigorously swished them around several times before more swishing in a jar of clean spirit then
blot them with clean linen before washing in warm water and a little washing up liquid, finally rinsing in clean warm water.
...One of the basic things I picked up over the years in modelling is never, ever mix spirit / oil based paintbrushes with water based paintbrushes. Oil-Oil, water-water, and solvent-solvent.  Keep them separate, just like airbrushes.





....However I would sympathise as I thought it was just me, but save from buying a new brush for the first time -like an artists brush and using it in a new tin of Revel "enamel", the second time I use the brush or open the tin and start painting, everything is magically full of appawling dust which no method or precaution seems to avoid!!!!  I've been tearing my hear out recently.