Contact cement and brushes... what to do?

philcanoe · Post by **philcanoe** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 2:06 pm

Was slopping the contact cement around this morning, and wondered if this tidbit was ever posted. I use the big gallon can of contact cement ( Big Red - no not sponsored)... an have found that the cheapest (less than a dollar) of china bristle can be left hanging in the can, and then used for what appears forever. I do this by tying a piece of plastic wrap (piece of Wal-Mart Bag this time) through end hole, and simply closing lid upon the wrap. Just hang bristles into glue, and you're ready to go come next job....

kaz · Post by **kaz** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 2:23 pm

I always use a wedge shaped piece of minicell, approx 2" wide by 4" long. I actually re-use this piece of foam dozens of times. Cheap? Perhaps.

JKaz

TheKrikkitWars · Post by **TheKrikkitWars** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 4:58 pm

I used to just jam the whole brush in a 1:1:1:1 mixture of gasoline, toluene, chloroform and ether) and seal it in up in a jar... nothing seems to be able to set then (unfortunately, I'm not able to easily obtain the ingredients for that mix at the moment).

RodeoClown · Post by **RodeoClown** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 5:37 pm

I do what Phil says once the can gets down low enough to just drop the brush in without losing it. Until then, I leave the brush sitting on the (closed) lid of the can. A minute or so of exposure to fresh contact cement, and it's good as new. (I feel the same effect sometimes).

Craig Smerda · Post by **Craig Smerda** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 5:58 pm

cheap foam wood handled brushes found in the paint department work well too. I've used the Kaz method before... but it's nice to have something to hold onto.

use 'em for one outfitting job and chuck 'em for less than fiddy-cent

pblanc · Post by **pblanc** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:25 pm

I use the little metal handled acid brushes available at any hardwood store which are quite cheap.

After applying contact cement I give them a wipe with a paper towel then clean them off with a little paint thinner. I can usually use each one dozens of times.

oopsiflipped · Post by **oopsiflipped** » Sat Aug 20, 2011 7:47 pm

oh, thank you phil! it's been so long since we could sing the praised of weldwood here!

i'm with kaz, minicell!

weldwood is the only thing i ever for to walmart for. qts there are cheaper per oz than gallons at lowe's.

iRolled · Post by **iRolled** » Sun Aug 21, 2011 12:56 am

Just a rigid piece of cardboard. I've never gonne back to brushes.

Now, what type of glue should i use to glue my saddle to the boat.