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Badger Hair brushes are ideal for bottom paint, varnish and high-gloss marine coatings. Badger brushes have a bushy appearance as the hair is cone shaped, thick near the tip and thin near the root.
Badger hair is somewhat stiff even in longer lengths. Most badger-hair brushes have a fan or round shape with a flat top for blending.
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BRAND:
Redtree
Type:
Brushes
Questions & Answers about Badger Hair Brushes:
2012-06-10A shopper asked: how to tip varnish?
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2012-06-12WILL TRACEY: I put the varnish on with back and forth or even x-shaped strokes being careful to get complete coverage but not have excess (that's always the difficult balance). I then stretch the varnish out from my left to my right onto new areas to rid the current area of excess, using horizontal left to right strokes. Once convinced I have no excess I brush it back into the old wet edge using right to left horizontal strokes. Then I check for holidays (areas which don't have consistent coverage). Finally, I tip from bottom to top - vertically - very lightly. It also helps to mix in some penetrol with the varnish prior to starting.
2012-06-10A shopper asked: how to clean after varnish?
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2012-06-11TOM SCHMITT: After many years of so-so results cleaning badger hair brushes, I bought a brush spinner. First I use old newspaper or a rag to squeeze out as much varnish as possible. Then I rinse the brush in thinner and spin it in a cardboard box. I repeat that step three times, saving the used thinner in a jug where I decant it for use later cleaning paint brushes.
After the third spin. I either wash the brush in dish or laundry detergent, rinse it thoroughly, spin it dry and wrap it in a paper towel, or suspend it in linseed oil or fresh thinner if I plan to use it again soon.
2012-06-12WILL TRACEY: I don't clean my brushes after using them. Before use I drill a hole through the base of the handle just above the ferrule. Then I cut a six inch piece of coat hanger. The brush hangs off the coat hanger, which is stuck through the hole, and it is suspended in a coffee can full of turpentine. Then I put a large Ziploc bag over the whole thing to keep dust out. When I'm ready to use the brush again I simply spin it out using a brush spinner. Brushes last me at least three seasons and I only use them in the spring. The rest of the time they are hanging in the turpentine.
2012-04-06A shopper asked: Are badger hair brushes the best bet for varnishing?
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2012-04-06KIM HODGES: Absolutely! I have built boats and varnished them as well as other wood projects with badger hair brushes, foam brushes and cheap brushes. Badger hair brushes work the best. Remember to lay varnish from dry to wet, not wet to dry and you'll be amazed at your own work.
2012-04-06MIKE KELLEY: I have used badger hair brushes for years. They do work the best for applying an even coat of varnish at the proper coat thickness. Have minimal 'tipping off' to do as few air bubbles in the coat. If you are only doing a very small area the foam brushes are OK and you get to avoid cleanup but the foam quickly deteriorates and you will get foam particles in the coat
2012-04-06TOM WISS: I think they are great. They hold varnish well and distribute it evenly. They are fairly short bristled and are somewhat stiff compared to paint brushes but that works well with varnish especially when you are cutting in. I find I can do my entire Chris Craft with a 3" brush. They are nor cheap, so take good care of them and they will take good care of you.
2012-03-09BOB SIMMONS asked: These brushes are listed by the manufacturer as "Badger style china bristles." Sounds fishy to me,. Can anyone verify that these are in fact badger hair bristles? Thanks.
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2012-03-09ROBERT A BEEBE: It's not something I could answer without seeing the bristles.
"Badger-style China bristles" is a nearly meaningless description, as any brush seller could conceivably make that claim. BUT this looks like a nice brush. I've been using RedTree brushes for a long time and like them. That's what counts - I like them and get really fine results. In any case, good varnish work is not created by the brush, it's user technique that gets results.
2012-03-15Bob Simmons: Robert, Thanks for taking the time to respond to my question re. badger hair bristles/Red Tree brushes, I appreciate your input.
2012-03-09ERIK SILVESTRI: Hey Bob,
I bought a set of these about 20 years ago. They have been great brushes for virtually all finish types, but don't use the same bruch for clear and pigmented finishes.
I bought another set recently and am not at all happy. The brush contains about 50% as much bristle as the old ones, and it is definitely NOT badger hair.
For the price, they're still not bad. A 3" Badger Hair brush will set you back $50-$60 and I only know of one source in the mid-west that carries them.
2012-03-15Bob Simmons: Thanks Eric, I have to say I wasn't expecting the quality responses I received - first time I've used this. Much appreciated.
2012-03-11MARK WILLIAMS: Had I to guess, I would have to say that they are china bristle brushes dyed to look like they were made from badger hair. Thank you modern marketing!
2012-03-15Bob Simmons: Hello Mark, Thanks for responding to my question, I appreciate it.
2011-07-13GERALD KATEN asked: I heard a lot about Badger brushes. Are they really the best for applying varnishes and top coats?
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2011-07-15LEIGH TUTTLE: I've laid down a lot of varnish on many different projects. I wouldn't use anything else, and have tried.
2011-07-15COASTAL WOODWORKS: Gerald-
I can't say if they are the best or not but I nave never used a better brush for varnish. I recently finshed a boat hull with the badger brush I purchased from JD and a high dollar varnish, also from JD. Best level finish I have experienced. These brushes hold the varnish well and flow it out on the surface without ridges that need to level out. The boat was for a customer who fell in love with the clear coat finish. I plan to use it on the kayak I am building.
2011-07-15ROBERT FEWKES: I honestly don't know whether they're the "best". However, they flow well, cover well, leave an excellent surface without loose bristles, and clean up so you can reuse them. I recommend them.
2011-07-15MICHAEL LAUER: The badger brushes hold a lot of varnish and apply it smoothly. You don't have to stop in the middle of any board less than 6-8 feet to refill the brush. So the finish applied is about as flat as you can get without spraying.
2011-07-16NATHAN BAYREUTHER: After solely using foam brushes for many years, switching to badger brushes was a welcome change. They certainly require maintenance after each use, but in my opinion, it's worth the trouble. The brush holds more varnish, gives a better and more consistent flow, and provides a smoother coat. I am very pleased with my badger brushes.
2011-07-17HAROLD ELSTON: Gerald, I build kayaks to fine furniture and I am a true believer in using the best of materials. For varnish, I only use badger or some other excellent brushes. Good luck
2011-07-18KENNETH ZEGHIBE: Badger Hair brushes are superior brushes for finsh work. They are the most commonly used brush for applying two part urethane coatings. Then are used when rolling the paint to tip the overlaps between roller marks. this along with varnishes and other finish paints make them an excellent choice for pulling through your coats and leaving no brush marks. Just a nice clear finish. You should read up on how to tip an awlgrip type coating as the same principals apply to the other finshes. I have even used foam brushes to apply my varnish then tipped it out with a badger hair brush. Hope this helpful.
These brushes are absolutely SUPERB! I have used exactly ONE 1.5" badger hair brush to varnish ALL the exterior teak (comanionway boards, coaming, winch pocket surrounds, folding cockpit table, ten-loo...Read complete review
These brushes are absolutely SUPERB! I have used exactly ONE 1.5" badger hair brush to varnish ALL the exterior teak (comanionway boards, coaming, winch pocket surrounds, folding cockpit table, ten-loop S&P handrails, and all the hatch cover surrounds) on my 30 ft sailboat. I have now finished six coats and intend to apply two more! The result is absolutely FABULOUS! Brush marks in the varnish disappear in 15 seconds, there are ZERO issues with air bubbles, and except for a few hairs coming off on the very first coat...there have been ZERO since. The brush applies varnish like silk, cleans easily and is soon ready for the next application. I will NEVER use anything but a badger hair brush for varnish again.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Not the same as they were
These are impostor badger brushes, they do not hold up well in comparison to the last batch I purchased here in 07. They puff up and lose their shape rapidly and the hairs are ...Read complete review
These are impostor badger brushes, they do not hold up well in comparison to the last batch I purchased here in 07. They puff up and lose their shape rapidly and the hairs are not as tightly packed as they used to be (so they do not hold as much material), and they are of a lower quality. I use these for interior shellac and varnish millwork. I am looking for a different source and brand now.
The best varnish brush I have ever used, and I have used a wider badger hair brush for years.
10/24/2012
5.0
Love it
By Charlie
from Cincinnati
About Me Beginner
Pros
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
I'm building a Herreshoff/Gardner Rowboat and I bought two brushes, one for varnish and one for paint. I haven't varnished yet, but the brush has worked very well for painting. Despite my lack of experience (I've never painted anything but a wall) the brush lays a consistent amount on the work surface and has produced a good surface so far. I'm very pleased.
3/30/2012
5.0
Arrived in good condition
By Innovative Cabinetry By KMC, Inc.
from MD
About Me Professional
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
Shipped in a box of exact size as to not allow any movement and bend the hairs on my brushes. Have not used them yet. And I will only use these for that expensive varnish that only flows best when applyied by a Badger.
2/24/2012
1.0
Not happy sould have read these reviews
By JimHandy
from montana
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Cons
Deteriorates
Flimsy
Best Uses
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
my 2" brush lost hairs left and right and seamed to "chip' while applying high quality varnish. went back to foam brushes to redo the job. very disappointed with the product.
1/2/2012
4.0
So far, so good...
By Reb
from Lakeville, MN
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Large Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
This Badger Hair brush threw very few hairs the first few uses I have on it. It does a nice job distributing varnish across surface. To avoid bubbles, brush needs to be loaded up with varnish so you are not pushing varnish out of brush...this 2 1/2" brush holds a lot of paint so I would not recommend for small jobs.
10/18/2010
3.0
Badger brush
By trbeau
from Lincolnton, NC
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Small Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
Brush holds lots of paint and tipping leaves few lines when topside paint dries but be prepared to pick out a few brush bristles when brush is news.
8/26/2010
3.0
Handles nicely but drops bristles
By georgeandgracie
from Beulah, CO
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Ergonomic Grip
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Deteriorates
Sheds bristles
Best Uses
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
I've been using this with Epifanes Gloss on doors. After a year of it, I have had it with bristles showing up in the varnish when it's too late to fix them. I'm shopping for another brush.
3/25/2010
(4 of 4 customers found this review helpful)
2.0
Not the same as they were
By Adam
from New York City
About Me Professional
Pros
Cons
Flimsy
Best Uses
Detailed Work
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
These are impostor badger brushes, they do not hold up well in comparison to the last batch I purchased here in 07. They puff up and lose their shape rapidly and the hairs are not as tightly packed as they used to be (so they do not hold as much material), and they are of a lower quality. I use these for interior shellac and varnish millwork. I am looking for a different source and brand now.
6/6/2009
4.0
Good brush
By Keep the Bright Side UP!
from Kansas City, Mo
About Me Avid Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Ergonomic Grip
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Large Areas
Small Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
Great brush. Great price. [...]
6/6/2009
5.0
Well worth the money
By C51Boat
from Linwood, NC
About Me Casual Do-It-Yourselfer
Pros
Easy To Clean
Even Paint Distribution
Cons
Best Uses
Small Areas
Comments about Redtree Badger Hair Brushes:
Excellent for use with varnish. Better quality than anything from the "Big Box" stores.
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Special order items are not stocked and are ordered direct from the manufacturer. They are non-returnable, may take 2-4 weeks, price and shipping charges subject to change.
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