Brush Cleaning

Capn_Tom · Post by **Capn_Tom** » Tue Sep 18, 2007 7:14 pm

Any good advice on cleaning two part epoxy and polyurethane paint from brushes. I always end up with a residue that does not rinse away and ruins the brush. At $20+ for a decent brush this is more than frustrating.

Figment · Post by **Figment** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 12:49 pm

Pour a quarter-inch of the appropriate solvent into a quart-size mixing cup. Work the bristles as though you're painting the bottom of the cup. Discard the solvent and shake the brush dry.

Repeat as necessary until the solvent stays clear.

If the brush is to be re-used in the near future, wrap the bristles in plastic.

This works about half the time, but it's better than not at all.

I love foam brushes.

Hirilondë · Post by **Hirilondë** » Thu Sep 20, 2007 5:21 pm

A lot depends on your definition of clean. Some people say there is no way to get a brush "clean" after doing a 2-part paint. The problem being that what ever is left on the brush is going to cure. The now, solids, will break off during the next use and end up on the boat. The solvents/cleaners for these paints are expensive which raises the price for what will be considered a disposable brush.

edit: I always try to get all of my primer coats, then all of my finish coats within the hot recoat windows. If I wrap my brush (Ziplok bags work well) and refrigerate (freeze is even better) between coats it I can work for a couple days without cleaning at all. Then get a second brush for the top coats.

Post by **Tim** » Fri Sep 21, 2007 6:24 am

A good paint job is well worth the cost of as many new brushes and roller covers as you need, I think. Paint that might cost $300/gallon all told (base, converter, reducer) is worth a few $20 brushes to apply properly.

That said, keeping the uncleaned brushes wrapped and refrigerated works amazingly well and will allow you to reuse the brush several times successfully. Just be sure none of the old paint is curing in the brush.