How many brushes needed??

General Composites Discussions Composites Talk
#1

So far i have gone through loads of brushes about:
2x 3" brushes
2x1" brushes

and this is only on my first mold, which didnt work!!

What 7 how do you clean the brushes i dont want this to be expensive because i keep throwing brushes away!!

Also i found out the hard way once mixed the resin will set even if i put shrink wrap (seren wrap) on the top of the bucket!

Is there any way to ensure that the resin stays good after being mixed (polyester resin)

Thanks John

#2

An acetone bucket for the brushes and bucket hanging paint roller screen too. Brushes are cheap compared to the other materials.

Once you mix the catalyst into the PER, it will cure! Never mix up a way too large on a batch.

Less catalyst % to resin, more work time.

More mass of resin, exorthearm or high heat will be generated.

#3

Thanks for that i am still waiting for compotition car composites book (or whatever it is called).

I know brushes are cheap in the whole scheme of things i just dont want to waste any more than is required.

Do you have any pics of “bucket hanging paint roller screen too” as i am not to sure what it is, might be being stupid but want to make sure all is right.

Thanks John

#4

You could purchase some of those aluminum rollers and keep them clean after use.
http://stores.infinityfrp.com/-strse-ROLLERS-&-BRUSHES/Categories.bok

#5

just get a cheap supply of brushes. i throw them all away. brushes are cheaper than acetone, and even if you clean them, they will be kinda harder next time anyway…

#6

I like harder brushes and even cut them shorter to be stiffer on wet hand lay ups!

#7

do you use 1 brush for applying the resin and another for pressing down the matt on to the resin? Or one for the whole process?

Good idea to shorten the brushes to make them stiffer!!

Thanks John

#8

Just use one, when it starts to stiffen (as the resin starts to thicken and go off) then it’s time to put the resin outside somewhere safe to set, clean the brush up quick (dump it in thinners or acetone or bin it) then carry on.

#9

Acetone is just about the only solvent that can clean brushes before the resin cures on them. You will spend more money on acetone to clean the brushes than you will buying cheap disposable brushes. Plus acetone is lethal to your internal organs if absorbed thru the skin or prolong breathing in. It also can cause nervous system damage.

I use it but sparingly. Brushes I just throw away. I get a box of 36 brushes for $7. harbor freight.