wazza
a dog got personality
Earlier today I put up a tutorial regarding the removal of a knot using the drilling method. Another method is to steam the knot. This doesn't work for all brushes though, depending on the age and type of glue used. With vintage brushes, I'm not sure if its just down to the ageing of the glue or the type used but this method works a dream with modern brushes as it heats up the glue, in order for the knot to be pulled free.
What you will need;
Large pan
2 containers or ramekins
2 towels - one to hold the handle and one for the knot as they can get extremely hot, so be careful.
Firstly get a large pot and put the biggest container/ramekin inside. Fill up the pot with water, just below the top of the container.
Put the smaller container inside the large container, to where the knot should be placed. The purpose of this is to stop overflowing water contacting the brush handle.
Once the brush is all set within the container, put a lid on the pot and heat the water gently, bringing the water to a gentle simmer. Depending on the age of the brush will change the amount of steam necessary to loosen the knot. The best thing to do is to remove the brush periodically, using two towels, one to hold the handle and one to pull on the knot. If ready then the knot will slide right out and if not, then pop the brush back in and steam a little longer.
For a time frame, normally I start with ten minutes of steam, check the knot and steam for another 5 minutes and then check again. Some knots have taken up to 30mins to loosen.
You just have to be mindful of the material of the brush handle and think would the steam cause damage. Such as wooden handles, delicate plastics or possibly Bakelite. If you're unsure, ask here or just take to the drilling methods.
If anyone has any information to share, advice or something I've missed then feel free to add a comment below and hopefully this thread will help to give an insight in refurbishing a brush.
What you will need;
Large pan
2 containers or ramekins
2 towels - one to hold the handle and one for the knot as they can get extremely hot, so be careful.
Firstly get a large pot and put the biggest container/ramekin inside. Fill up the pot with water, just below the top of the container.
Put the smaller container inside the large container, to where the knot should be placed. The purpose of this is to stop overflowing water contacting the brush handle.
Once the brush is all set within the container, put a lid on the pot and heat the water gently, bringing the water to a gentle simmer. Depending on the age of the brush will change the amount of steam necessary to loosen the knot. The best thing to do is to remove the brush periodically, using two towels, one to hold the handle and one to pull on the knot. If ready then the knot will slide right out and if not, then pop the brush back in and steam a little longer.
For a time frame, normally I start with ten minutes of steam, check the knot and steam for another 5 minutes and then check again. Some knots have taken up to 30mins to loosen.
You just have to be mindful of the material of the brush handle and think would the steam cause damage. Such as wooden handles, delicate plastics or possibly Bakelite. If you're unsure, ask here or just take to the drilling methods.
If anyone has any information to share, advice or something I've missed then feel free to add a comment below and hopefully this thread will help to give an insight in refurbishing a brush.
Kudos!
. Not that I've ever tried it 
.) When in doubt, the safest way to remove a knot--at least in my experience--is to carefully drill it out.
