Scrollsaw Workshop Community -Please register to enable posting.

General Category => Tutorials, Techniques and Tips => Topic started by: Papafrankc on July 13, 2013, 07:46:02 pm

Title: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: Papafrankc on July 13, 2013, 07:46:02 pm

After some research I see this idea was mentioned by Mike on the blog in 2011. 

However I just thought of it today so I  thought it might be worth mentioning again.  I used to use small brushes to paint small fretwork holes and slots.  It was always a mess and a real time-consuming pain.  So today I tried a pipe cleaner on one of my projects.  And boy do they work GREAT.  They get right into very small slots and holes.  Places where you can't get a small brush.

I found some "pipe cleaners" at Joann's in California ( they call them "stems").  But I'm sure you can find them in most craft stores.  Probably even a Pipe and Tobacco store.  At the craft store I purchased a pack of 25 for only  $0.99.

I'll never go back to brushes for painting or staining intricate fretwork.

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: chelcass on July 14, 2013, 09:38:55 am

Great idea!  It drives me crazy trying to get into those tiny spaces.  Thanks for the tip.

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: Becky on July 16, 2013, 12:21:56 am

I don't usually paint or stain my projects but this is a great tip for those exceptions.   :)

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: tdub4ever on July 17, 2013, 06:49:39 am

Never thought about pipe cleaners, I usually get these microbrushes. They work very well and they come in different sizes. You can get them in the model builders section at the hobby store.

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: gap15102 on May 25, 2014, 10:27:31 pm

I used to use a small brush to stain my projects.  It was slow and frustrating.  Now I dunk the piece in the stain can and shake off the excess.  I then blot it with a rag and give it a few shots of air from my air compressor.  Done in no time flat!

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: GrayBeard on May 26, 2014, 01:46:42 pm

Another advantage to the pipe cleaners...

Take your wire cutters, cut them in half and have twice as many!

~~~GB~~~

Title: Re: Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting
Post by: ChuckD on May 26, 2014, 04:45:41 pm

Quote from: gap15102 on May 25, 2014, 10:27:31 pm

I used to use a small brush to stain my projects.  It was slow and frustrating.  Now I dunk the piece in the stain can and shake off the excess.  I then blot it with a rag and give it a few shots of air from my air compressor.  Done in no time flat!

This is thew same way I do it.  Real even all over and if you let it drip for a couple minutes in you drip pan makes for a very smooth surface.