Pipe cleaners for finishing/painting

[Papafrankc]

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.

[chelcass]

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

[Becky]

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

[tdub4ever]

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.

[gap15102]

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!

[GrayBeard]

Another advantage to the pipe cleaners...

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

~~~GB~~~

[ChuckD]

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.