Brush

[Sam Kirk]

I have been using flex coat disposable brush. Today I watched a video on applying epoxy and she used a wider straight cut brush. What is the best brush to apply epoxy ?

[gulfcaptain]

I use the cheap ones,  but also learned to hit the epoxy with a torch to smooth and remove bubbles too

[spoonplugger1]

I use a spatula, no bubbles to pull from between brush fibers. I however have some short hair straight cut sable brushes, maybe 3/8 inch wide that live in a bottle of brush cleaner.

[bloom]

I also use a tiny spatula, about 1/4 inch wide. cleanup is just a quick paper towel wipe. and if I forget to clean, the hardened epoxy scrapes off with a razor blade.

[casts_by_fly]

Spatula and don’t put bubbles in the epoxy when mixing to start with. A torch or lighter can work to remove them once on the rod, but you can overheat the epoxy quickly and ruin a wrap if you’re not careful. 
 

if you have to use a brush, do the same with the epoxy and treat the brush like a spatula. Never actually brush with it.  Just dip it in the epoxy and let it run off the brush onto the wrap. 

[MickD]

It's a matter of personal preference what to use and depends also on the size of the guides-tiny guides require a smaller tool.  Amazon has lots of good, cheap, brushes if you want to go that route.  I like brushes with soft bristles, square cut for most work.  Pointed small brush for very small wraps and a bodkin to put a drop at the base of the guide ring on some guides.  

[casts_by_fly]

A set of these is great because the thin tapered rounded tips let you do detail while the wider ones are good for long wraps. 

 

[Sam Kirk]

I never knew you could use a spatula to apply epoxy. How about mixing epoxy? 

[casts_by_fly]

8 hours ago, Sam Kirk said:

I never knew you could use a spatula to apply epoxy. How about mixing epoxy? 

the cleanest way to mix is in a plastic disposable cup with a ball bearing or two and your rod turner motor. Set it on an angle and let it turn for a little bit. It will mix right up without a single air bubble. 

[Chris Catignani]

5 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

the cleanest way to mix is in a plastic disposable cup with a ball bearing or two and your rod turner motor. Set it on an angle and let it turn for a little bit. It will mix right up without a single air bubble. 

For many, many years, I just mixed it thoroughly, in the cup, for two minutes and then applied it. The epoxy's long set up time, and a short burst with the hair dryer, would make what air bubbles I had release. But, let me be crystal clear on this (pun intended) a mixer is the way to go.

 

[S Hovanec]

I haven't used brushes for 15+ years.  I use pieces of promotional credit cards cut to various widths.