A question for the brush DIYers

[proxymoron]

With all the know-how in this forum, I thought I'd ask a question about something that happened to my new brush, a Vie-long with the translucent red handle. I must have dinged it or dropped it at some point, because the base has what looks like a chip.

The weird thing is that the base isn't chipped. The acrylic just has a small discoloration in the bottom in the shape of a chip. I keep running my finger along the base feeling for a crack, but it is definitely just a chip-shaped bit of lighter red on the red.

I'm happy with the brush and prepared to live with it, but wanted to know if this was something that could be 'polished' out or otherwise fixed. I'm almost OCD enough to sand off the base... but that's another thing needs fixing entirely.

 

[Luc]

There's probably something that can be done... Do you have a picture?

 

[proxymoron]

Twenty minutes of monkeying around with brush/camera have made me realize that yes, I do have a problem. Something I'd discuss with the therapist if shaving weren't my therapy. So, slightly embarrassed to post the pics, but having taken them...

Any thoughts? (Other than 'the white balance of your camera is crap.')

 

[Luc]

You could probably sand it with a high grit sandpaper so it doesn't leave too many scratches... You don't have the small piece that goes there anymore?

 

[Mako72]

Having worked with some acrylic products I would say it is chipped on the inside but the piece didn't break completely off. Sort of like a star in a windshield. You could try a little heat and it might darken it if its just a blemish, thats usually the easiest way to get scratches out of acrylic.

ay

 

[tinker]

The damage looks too deep to polish out.
It could be turned out and re-polished by an experienced turner though.
tinker

 

[Klarion]

Might as well ding up the rest of the edge.

Or just try sanding a ring out until it's gone, if it really bothers you.

 

[proxymoron]

Thanks for the suggestions. The heat idea is intriguing but not sure if I want to risk it. I thought about jerry-rigging a rubber base (both to protect against more chips and hide the first one)... which means I'll probably procrastinate until it stops bothering me.

New toy or not, I bought it for the other end.

 

[Go West Young Man]

which means I'll probably procrastinate until it stops bothering me.

Birds of a feather here!

 

[Ruck]

... I thought about jerry-rigging a rubber base (both to protect against more chips and hide the first one)...

Plasti-dip to the rescue! Apparently available in red colored, too!

 

[jwhiskercut]

You could just sand the bottom flat until the chip is wore away, repolish and have at it. The only problem, if you didn't sand it perfectly flat, you'd have a leaning brush, and that could trigger a whole different OCD problem.

 

[Schwert]

It adds character...I would leave it and use it.

 

[proxymoron]

Having worked with some acrylic products I would say it is chipped on the inside but the piece didn't break completely off. Sort of like a star in a windshield. You could try a little heat and it might darken it if its just a blemish, thats usually the easiest way to get scratches out of acrylic.

Great tip! Just tried holding the handle a couple inches over a match--the 'chip' is completely gone. Thanks again.

 

[Mako72]

No Problem! I use a propane torch or culinary torch depending on the size of the fix. Works with everything from polyethylene kayaks to acrylic picture glass and plexiglass. Practise on some odds and ends plastics or acrylics, it comes in really handy!

Jay