Anyone use foam brushes for applying Poly? - Woodworking Talk

George G · 02-01-2009, 06:55 PM

As the title says, do u use foam brushes for applying poly? I use synthetic bristle bushes but and wondering if the foam brushes are better.

Thanks

George

Just Bill · 02-01-2009, 07:35 PM

I sometimes use foam brushes for water based poly, but depends on the situation. Water based finishes dry much more quickly than oil, so the use of a bristle brush can leave marks. Less of a problem with foam.

steve mackay · 02-01-2009, 07:48 PM

Used to use foam for stain and poly. That is 'till I figured out that the "crumby" stuff I was sanding off between coats was little bits of the foam. With certine materials the foam starts to break down very quickly. I should have known there was a reason Ol' Norm always insists on "cotton waste" for stain. I get a better result and my can of stain goes way further. For poly I now brush (AFTER I've picked out all the loose hairs.).

BHOFM · 02-01-2009, 08:05 PM

I use the throw away china brushes for everything.
I wet them first with what ever the finish is, water
or sprites and get the loose stuff out.

Most of the time I clean and re-use them.

Harbor Freight has them on sale all the time,
the two inch are under $10 for three dozen.
I keep one, two and four inch on hand.

I have had no luck with foam brushes for anything.
Same with foam rollers.

The china brushes are also good to clean your keyboard.

breakfastchef · 02-01-2009, 09:20 PM

I use foam brushes exclusively for poly application. I do not have any probems with these brushes. Make light finishing strokes with the grain and let the poly level itself while you await the time for the next coat.

The woodsman · 02-01-2009, 10:55 PM

I use them all the time,but I mostly use oil's on my turning,but when I did furniture work where I used a lot of poly,I used the badger hair brushes,pretty expensive,bout ten yrs ago an I pd over $30.00 for them,BUT I still have them when needed and there as good as new.

johnv51 · 02-02-2009, 02:39 PM

The only place I brush on poly is where I can't reach with the sprayer.

Geoguy · 02-02-2009, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by steve mackay

Used to use foam for stain and poly. That is 'till I figured out that the "crumby" stuff I was sanding off between coats was little bits of the foam. With certine materials the foam starts to break down very quickly. I should have known there was a reason Ol' Norm always insists on "cotton waste" for stain. I get a better result and my can of stain goes way further. For poly I now brush (AFTER I've picked out all the loose hairs.).

I've seen that happen too. Then I learned there are varying qualities of foam brushes. The cheap ones fall apart like you said. But if you spend the extra couple bucks for a good one, they're much better. It also helps if you thin the poly a bit with mineral spirits - makes the foam brush work much better with no brush marks.

wdkits1 · 02-03-2009, 05:50 PM

I've used alot of the cheaper foam brushes for poly with mixed results.Recently I had to make a small box for a customer to put some very delicate instruments in so I bought a half a yard of material backed foam[the type used for head liners for cars].cost me $3.00.I found out that it makes the perfect custom brushes for applying stain and poly. Very good quality and doesn't fall apart and I can cut it to the size that I need.

Mike