Cosmetic Chip Repair?

[rts9364]

I recently bought an old Rubberset handle with a butterscotch lower. I don't have it in hand yet, but it has what looks to be a small cosmetic (surface) chip out of the bottom portion. Is there something sand-able that I can fill in with that dries clear? I know some epoxies are hard to sand. Also, would you leave it clear, or try to tint it? Sorry I do not have pics yet; I'm just trying to get a jump on materials and direction before it arrives. Thanks.

This handle could be my first restore. As you guys probably know all too well, I decided restoring a brush would be a fun idea, so I have about 5 or 6 handles in various stages of transit at the moment.

 

[Toonr]

Interested in the responses here, and also my first restore attempt.
In my case however, the entire base of the brush is gone, exposing what appears to be a plaster fill. It is an Ever-Ready brush, #552

 

[NexlevMM]

Crazy glue was always recommended to me by old school Catalin Radio repair guys.

It dries clear, can be slathered on, and sanded/polished to a nice shine. I've used it several times with success.

 

[JHCC]

I worked for a few years in a studio that did decorative object and furniture restoration; here's my thought: If the chip is purely cosmetic, LEAVE IT ALONE! Sure, clean it up and polish it (I'm a big fan of Flitz), but unless you do an absolutely perfect restoration (and I mean INVISIBLE), it's just going to look bad.

Someone I really respect once described his experience seeing his grandmother (an old French peasant woman who'd never worn makeup in her life) all dolled up in her coffin, with a full face of makeup and a perm. He said it almost made him throw up, he was so mad to see her and her hard, simple life disrespected like that.

Every chip and scratch is part of the history of the object (heck, even the color is the result of aging), so why try to make something obviously old look new? If you wanted something new, buy something new.

 

[rts9364]

Interested in the responses here, and also my first restore attempt.
In my case however, the entire base of the brush is gone, exposing what appears to be a plaster fill. It is an Ever-Ready brush, #552

There is a thread in the first few pages of this forum where a guy sanded through the bottom like yours and exposed the plaster. He removed the bottom completely, gutted the plaster, and fabricated a new bottom piece out of a plastic medallion (you could also use wood). It turned out nice. It's probably good to get that plaster out anyway, whether it comes out from the bottom or the top. I'll post a link to the thread if I can find it.

 

[rts9364]

I worked for a few years in a studio that did decorative object and furniture restoration; here's my thought: If the chip is purely cosmetic, LEAVE IT ALONE! Sure, clean it up and polish it (I'm a big fan of Flitz), but unless you do an absolutely perfect restoration (and I mean INVISIBLE), it's just going to look bad.

I have been seriously considering this option, too, even before I posted my question. I totally agree with you in a lot of cases. I need to look at the chip in person and see what I think. I was mainly hoping for some different options (like the crazy glue, above) in case I wanted to try to fill it.

Thanks for the excellent input.

 

[rts9364]

Toonr, here you go:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/310878-My-Solid-Set-Restore

 

[Toonr]

Great stuff! Thank you!

 

[JHCC]

I have been seriously considering this option, too, even before I posted my question. I totally agree with you in a lot of cases. I need to look at the chip in person and see what I think. I was mainly hoping for some different options (like the crazy glue, above) in case I wanted to try to fill it.

Thanks for the excellent input.

You're welcome!

One thing to keep in mind if you do decide to go ahead with filling the chip: try to get a filler that can be shaped and smoothed without damaging the original surface. (Remember, the butterscotch color we know and love is the oxidized outer layer of the Bakelite, and once you sand through that color, you'll have a light spot that will last a loooooooong time.! A little abrasion is okay, but don't go too deep!) For example, if you fill the chip with epoxy (perhaps tinted with artists' dry pigments), put in just enough to replace the missing material, and then smooth the outside with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol or acetone. You should also experiment beforehand with different combinations of fillers, pigments, solvents, etc, to find what works best, and make sure to test any solvents in an inconspicuous spot on the handle.

 

[rts9364]

I got the brush in and I'm pretty sure I am going to leave the chip alone. It is very minor and adds a little character. Check it out. Chip and all, I like this little brush. It is a Rubberset 504. I love the old brushes that advertise "Pure Badger." These pictures are as received with only a soap bath.

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[JHCC]

That's too small to bother about. Polish it up and have done.

 

[catherix]

That's a sweet one! What sort of knot are you putting in this one?

That "PURE BADGER" stamp looks great! I like the brushes that say that as well. Sorta nostalgic.

 

[joshgambit]

I would totally leave the chip; it looks like a really nice brush. I can't wait to see it all polished and finished!

 

[AACJ]

Battlescars.....I have tons on my truck and I have no intention of buffing them out.

 

[rts9364]

That's a sweet one! What sort of knot are you putting in this one?

That "PURE BADGER" stamp looks great! I like the brushes that say that as well. Sorta nostalgic.

Not sure yet about the knot. I have a 20mm TGN Finest Bulb on the way for my ER 500BN, so that will allow me to see what that looks like with this handle. I'll likely do another short loft bulb knot, but I'm going to get the 500BN done before making any decisions. This is a small handle, so an 18mm may be more appropriate.