I bought a Loew Cornell brand 2″ Golden Taklon brush last week from woodfinishingsupplies.com to brush shellac. I read this article somewhere (maybe shellac.net or homestead finishing) about a guy who did restorations for the Smithsonian and his favorite brush for shellac was this one. Good enough for me!
Anyway, the brush came with the bristles in one hard lump all stuck together. I guess it makes sense for shipping. the website where I ordered it mentioned that you should dip it in alchohol then shellac when you were done and store it hard. I could just dip this thing into alchohol now and see what happens, but I don’t want to mess up my new $40 brush, just in case.
I’ve given up asking woodfinishingsupplies.com since I’ve emailed twice, called once, and not received any reply.
Anyone here used one of these, and know what to do before the first use?
Thanks,
Kevin
Replies
I haven't used the golden taklon brush they are a top of the line brush - they do the dip so the brush will keep the chisel sharp edge when not in use just dip it in the alcohol to dissolve the shellac.
I have read that you can restore old brushes this way also.
Who Ever Has The Biggest Pile Of Tools When You Die Wins
When I bought mine ( at the Michaels chain) they were not coated with anything, but I have heard that shellac is used to keep their shape. No matter what’s in the brush, dipping it in alcohol won’t hurt it, since this is what you bought it for.
These types of brushes will make a world of difference in your finishing ( they did for me at least). The shellac will go on very evenly with a minimum of brush marks. I also use Homesteads shellac wet to help in getting an even finish. Even if shellac weren’t a great finish, I’d still like it, just for the fact that I don’t have to clean out the brush. I just give it a quick swirl in some alcohol and shape the bristles with a paper towel and stand it bristles up in a tall tin can, until the next use. I also, took a similar can, and punched 2 holes in it so I could use a wire to suspend the brushes in alcohol in between coats. I normally put on as man as 6-8 coats of shellac in one day.
Rob Millard
previous posters are correct about dipping your brush. Many brushmakers use a water soluble dip like a hair training gel to keep their bristles shapely till the customer gets them home. When you are ready for another new brush try the "Black Gold" series by Dynasty. Their 3/8 sabre liner is my favorite brush ever. They have some real nice angle shaders too.
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