I bought this brush as part of a lot of fleabay. It looks really rough. How do I restore it? I have no experience doing anything like this so please explain it to me like I'm a 4 year old. Also I don't think I have ever seen a muhle brush like this. Does anyone have any information on it?
How do I restore this brush?
- Thread starter LuckyGlenn
- Start date
The knot doesn't look bad. How does the knot feel?
Do you care about preserving the logo?
I would probably mask off the logo and clean up the flakey parts with scotch Brite sanding pads, and then touch up the finish with spar varnish, and use the brush a bit to see if the knot is alright. A lot of these old boar knots have succumbed to oxidation, and will deteriorate quickly as a result, but some of them are fine.
Do you care about preserving the logo?
I would probably mask off the logo and clean up the flakey parts with scotch Brite sanding pads, and then touch up the finish with spar varnish, and use the brush a bit to see if the knot is alright. A lot of these old boar knots have succumbed to oxidation, and will deteriorate quickly as a result, but some of them are fine.
- Thread starter
- #3
I'm not sure how the knot feels. It hasn't arrived from Hungary yet, so I have plenty of time to gather supplies needed. Thanks for detailed reply. Just one more question. What grit sandpads would I need?
You can probably do it all with a general purpose maroon pad.
Untinted Danish oil would work, too, if you want to leave a more natural distressed look.
Untinted Danish oil would work, too, if you want to leave a more natural distressed look.
Great suggestions above!
I also suggest you check with the guys on the brush making forums.
I also suggest you check with the guys on the brush making forums.
This an old Muehle brush before the reunification of the two Germany's. So this means it was made prior to Nov 1989.
I would keep it as it is, showing still the old country abbreviation DDR = Deutsche Demokratische Republik, on the sticker. This is a piece of history and would preserve it as is. Maybe use some clear varnish on the bottom.
I would keep it as it is, showing still the old country abbreviation DDR = Deutsche Demokratische Republik, on the sticker. This is a piece of history and would preserve it as is. Maybe use some clear varnish on the bottom.
.- Thread starter
- #8
Very informative, Thanks.
Lightly sand the bottom where it's flaking.
Clear coat the entire handle and leave all the marks, wear, history.
It would a shame to restore that handle to shiny and new.
A Danish or similar penetrating oil that doesn't change wood colour is also an option. I use Tried & True Danish oil for my handmade slingshots.
Clear coat the entire handle and leave all the marks, wear, history.
It would a shame to restore that handle to shiny and new.
A Danish or similar penetrating oil that doesn't change wood colour is also an option. I use Tried & True Danish oil for my handmade slingshots.
Very nice find Glenn! DDR is the former Eastern Germany part of Germany. You could try and preserve as much as possible. Clear varnish can help seal it. Shellac might also be an idea to keep in with the vintage nature.
