My first modeling contribution! (tip)

Ad: This forum contains affiliate links to products on Amazon and eBay. More information in Terms and rules

B-17engineer

Colonel
14,949
65
Dec 9, 2007
Revis Island.
Ok. So I was painting **cough** my Ju-87 and I was trying different methods of washing brushes. I then found a Brillo pad AKA SOS pad. (Have no clue what SOS stands for.) Basically its steel wool with detergent inside and when you press down with the pad the detergent comes out. Anyways it takes about 30 seconds to wash a brush.

Here's a 'tutorial'

Basically I took a clean brush and dipped it into a can of sea blue paint. Bristles are originally black. I wiped a bit off to simulate painting and the paint getting between the bristles. Then basically with the brillo pad just scrub the brush (Your other hand holding the handle of course, mine wasn't there because I was taking pictures.) If you use warm water it takes 30 seconds to a minute...

I hope this helps some people. Brillo pads are very cheap and I hope this hasn't been posted before!
 

Attachments

  • 102_5667.JPG
    28.1 KB · Views: 173
  • 102_5668.JPG
    41.3 KB · Views: 147
  • 102_5669.JPG
    49.8 KB · Views: 184
  • 102_5670.JPG
    32.6 KB · Views: 214
  • 102_5672.JPG
    25 KB · Views: 195
What paint are you cleaning water acrylic or enamel?

Also heres a tip when you've cleaned your brush spit on your fingers and wipe it over the bristles bringing them to a point. A very skilled figure painter told me this and it works, keeps the brush in good condition and extends its useful life somewhat.
 
The idea seems to be good.But I don't think the way of cleaning brushes can make their "life" longer. It looks like sanding of the bristles.

Sorry Harry. But glad you posted the tip.
 


Good one H, if it works for you, go for it. We all have our favourite processed, but take a tip mate, make sure you clean out the wash basin, or you'll have your Mum on your back and Dad may have to lock you up.


 
If I may add 2 cents worth here. I would caution being too aggressive with the Brillo pressure on the bristles of the brush. I would suspect the detergent of the pad is pretty potent is why it will get the paint out so quickly. I used to do sign writing in the States years ago. I used to clean enamels and water based paint and even ink from brushes.

The best thing to do is to pre-wet the brush before it is used. Water for acrylics, solvent for enamel paints. When cleaning water based from the brush, I used regular bar soap, Lava brand for tough stuff. Wet the palm of your hand, with the bar make a soapy puddle there. With the brush handle Vertical, smoosh the bristles lightly and rotate in circles to bring the soap up the bristles to the ferrule. Rinse and repeat till the puddle has no colour in it. If the bristles tend to dry out of shape, drag the bristles across the bar, shape the soapy bristles with your fingers, let dry and store this way. When ready to use the brush, rinse with water and use.

If you are using enamel, do the same with turps, shape with a non-detergent oil, store this way, clean before using. I knew a sign writer had brushes 25 years old, used hair shampoo and conditioner on his brushes. Hope this generates some thought. This works for common house painting brushes as well. cheers, Bill
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Users who are viewing this thread

Total: 1 (members: 0, guests: 1)

Similar threads

my first kit
Replies
1
Views
469
Wurger
First Post here
Replies
19
Views
1K
Gnomey
My next project. Tamiya's 1/32 F4U-1D Corsair.
Replies
5
Views
714
javlin
Good kit for FIRST time modeler
Replies
6
Views
988
Capt. Vick
RAF Disruptive pattern , tips on how to airbrush
Replies
6
Views
770
buitre
B
Menu
Log in
Register