Ready to use finish applicators for non-CA finishes?

[jschoolcraft]

Is there some ready to use go to applicator folks use for things like:

• Sanding sealer
• Abrasive paste
• Friction polish
• Renaissance wax

I typically have a box of shop towels, cut them in half and then fold them into quarters (lengthwise). But as I was finishing my 10th or 12th blank in the group I started wondering if there's an easier but not exorbitantly expensive way. So hear I am, asking if one exists? I could probably try to prep it while I'm watching a show I guess…

If this has been covered before please link to the thread. Pretty generic search terms and I'm getting lots of results that don't apply.

 

[howsitwork]

For sanding sealer A finishing brush ( finer paint brush for cutting into corners) . These have a stainless ferrule so don't rust when left in the sealer ( Don't ask but it gives some fascinating effects on oak )

Put an electrical gland around the brush handle and screw aforementioned gland into top of bottle of sanding sealer.

Abrasive paste - hard sponge or foam works to apply a layer but needs wiping off with cloths.

friction polish I use cloths and wax similar . Chuck both after use

 

[egnald]

I do pretty much the same as you, but I use Viva Signature Cloth towels for applicators and regular Bounty paper towels for cleaning, drying, etc. I use the Select-A-Size versions of both which are perforated to yield sheets that are 6" x 11".

I prepare them ahead of time by stacking layers and cutting them into small rectangular sheets (approximately 3" x 2.75"). I store the Viva sheets in 8" x 5" zip top bags to keep them clean until I take them out for use.

For Sanding Sealer and Friction Polish I typically fold the rectangle into thirds and then in half which gives me an applicator that is about 1" wide and 2.25" long that is 6 layers thick and has no exposed cut edges on the application side (cut edges can be potential sources of lint). The length lays nicely along the length of my finger and gives me a good amount of control over the application and pressure against the blank.

For polishing with SPB Magic Juice, applying CA, GluBoost, and Wax I start by cutting each of the pieces in half to about 3" x 2.75". For use I fold them the same way as the others so there are no exposed cut edges on the applicator side -- basically the same as for the other finishes but just less waste.

I also pre-tear the Bounty into sheets and just keep a small stack ready to go so I don't have to tear them off one at a time when I want one. Usually for cleaning with denatured alcohol, I tear a sheet in half -- again just to reduce waste.

Dave

 

[jttheclockman]

I never did get fancy. I use blue shop towels to apply CA and take off and polish with Viva signature towels. They are very soft. As far as being thrifty I never think about those little things because this hobby is so much more expensive in so many ways. A roll of towels will do hundreds of pens.

 

[Tim R]

I've always used strips of paper towel for shellawax and EEE. For aussie oil I use a soft cloth.

 

[monophoto]

I use either strips of paper towel, or toilet paper.

 

[NJturner]

For GluBoost application, I use the thin craft foam in white cut into smaller squares. It works really well for CA or GluBoost getting a good even surface to work from. For polish and wax, I use cotton 2" sq gauze pads from Walmart sold in blue paper sleeves, unless I run out, then I just use torn pieces of blue paper towel.