I’ve been looking for polyurethane brushes, but first, I wanted to gain a thorough understanding of the Types of Bristles
- The Natural vs. synthetic bristles( pros and cons of each type)
- Best bristles for polyurethane
I also wanted to understand the circumstances for to use
- the Flat brushes
- the Angle brushes
- and the Round brushes
Finally, the most recommended brushes for polyurethane.
Replies
I take it that you are applying varnishes, and polyurethane is water based. From experience, the most effective brushes I have ever owned are pure badger hair, they are however hard to find and have been replaced by Badger like hairs but Redtree still advertise them at a cost that my not suit you. Lee Valley sells Nylon Bristle Brushes that I currently use and they do a fine job. The main two qualities of a varnishing brush are first to hold a large amount of varnish and to leave a minimum of brush marks. The pure badger is superior at doing both, the nylon leaves thinner coats but has few brush marks and cleans easily.
Unhuh. Thank you. I didn't know that.
Is the poly oil based, or water based.
As a general rule, do not use natural bristles with water based finishes.
I've used many types. For water based poly, my favorite is a two inch foam brush.
which kind of brush do you use on an oil based poly?
Here’s a good article on all brushes and in the archives there’s also good search info on the care and keep.
Choosing and Using Brushes
The right brush and a good technique make finishing a pleasure
By David Sorg #156–May/June 2002 Issue
https://www.finewoodworking.com/2002/06/01/choosing-and-using-brushes
Thank you. It a great article.
Ive liked this brush for oil based poly.
https://www.sutherlandwelles.com/shop/agave-hrgj2-bhzat-ma5b2-lal4m-66jse-ad7l4-28pcw-bxfcl-m2nxw-57ww9-r5ma3
wow perfect
Not really the answer to the question you asked but I don't use brushes any more. I've moved to using heavily thinned finishes and rags(cut up t-shirts) to apply. My finish quality is far better after I quit using brushes.
impressive. I will try this method out and I will give you a feedback
One type of brush you could consider are china boar brushes, like those sold by epifanes (the varnish maker). Not as good as badger, but pretty good. If you invest in a good brush, make sure you clean it very well after use, or you will find it to be a single use brush. A brush spinner can help you get it clean.
Perfect!
If the project is a large surface like a table top, brushes and standard oil based poly are probably a good choice. I wouldn't discount water based poly either these days. General has some great water based polys, but they are best applied with a foam brush and are self leveling so they don't need to be brushed like oil based. They do not give the same hue to the wood as oil-based but are completely clear. If the surface is smaller or a project from the lathe, you might try wipe-on poly or General Gel poly. Wiping on the finish is easy and avoids runs. It may take a little more time because each coat leaves a thinner coat but, it is worth it to me because there are never any surface problems due to runs from an excess of finish.
I spray most of my poly finishes. When I brush them, I use the medium grade soft artificial fibre brushes from the local home store - I'm not in the USA so a specific recommendation is difficult.
I have been using Osmo of late on everything that does not need substantial protection. Very easy and quick and feels and looks fantastic if you like a very flat look.
I just went through a finishing chalenge that shows the difference between a good and an excellent brush for poly. This Birds Eye maple make-up table is a centerpiece in my bathroom re-model and I was looking for that deep, gloss finish to match the Art Deco decor. The yellow tone is given by two coats of yellow shellac (lemon shellac) and followed by several coats of General finishes poly. After 4 coats I started getting serious about obtaining a deep even coat , after 7 coats, the high quality nylon brush still could not achieve the desired finish without either leaving a puddle of varnish or having streaks. There comes the pure badger hair brush, loads with plenty of varnish and quickly applies an even coat that requires minimal strokes hence the varnish settles without brush marks, bingo !
Oil, or water poly?
Water, works even better with oil.