I just purchased my first Semogue, the classic 1305. I was wondering if the paint is durable enough to leave as is, or has any 1305 owners put some type of extra coating to protect the handle?
Protecting the paint on the 1305 handle?
- Thread starter OkieStubble
- Start date
I have been using my 1305 for the past three years and have not had a problem with the painted handle. There are some rules about wooden handled brushes that you should follow.
(1) Never soak the handle in water, just soak the bristles. I keep the water level about 1/2 inch below the handle.
(2) I aways dry the handle and bristles with a towel after use. While it is probably not neccessary I always dry my brush with the bristles down for at least 24 hours, then I store it standing on the handle.
(3) Do not drop the 1305 on a hard surface or for that matter any surface. The old style paint has been known to chip when impacted. I read somewhere that the newer paint is more water resistant and tougher.
If you follow the advise the 1305 should last for many years.
(1) Never soak the handle in water, just soak the bristles. I keep the water level about 1/2 inch below the handle.
(2) I aways dry the handle and bristles with a towel after use. While it is probably not neccessary I always dry my brush with the bristles down for at least 24 hours, then I store it standing on the handle.
(3) Do not drop the 1305 on a hard surface or for that matter any surface. The old style paint has been known to chip when impacted. I read somewhere that the newer paint is more water resistant and tougher.
If you follow the advise the 1305 should last for many years.
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Mine is already chipped in two places. My fault, it was due using a brush stand. I'll probably look for a very similar or equal brush with a different handle though, my 1305 is my favorite brush by far.
You're looking for a Semogue 830 then. Same knot as the 1305, slightly denser so they say, and with an acrylic handle. Chipping paint problem solved!
You're looking for a Semogue 830 then. Same knot as the 1305, slightly denser so they say, and with an acrylic handle. Chipping paint problem solved!
I'll have to try it. I'm so attached to my 1305, for me it's the perfect brush.
I got one awhile back that arrived with a big ding out of the paint. (~7mmx3mm if memory serves). It was shipped wrapped in several layers of bubble, and I wanna say inside those plastic shells semogue uses... in a padded envelope.
No doubt it got beat a bit in the shipping, but with that much protection a paintjob durable to last years of shaving wouldn't have chipped. I would vote that no, the paint isn't durable enough to leave alone (possibly if you solely face lather, but certainly not for a bowl latherer). And I'd also say get an 830. Painted wood handles just scream "cheap" to me. Even when the clear finished wood ones cost less (1470 v 1460).
For the OP, I'd guess clear nail polish may work? I'm no expert but I know it's been used to protect shave brush labels before. Google "protect Simpson Sticker" maybe... I remember a few years back people were throwing hissy fits over Simpson stickers coming off after use and talking about how they should return the brush as defective and this and that.... and several people said that they just put clear sealant over it (which if memory serves was usually nail polish) and it stayed put.
No doubt it got beat a bit in the shipping, but with that much protection a paintjob durable to last years of shaving wouldn't have chipped. I would vote that no, the paint isn't durable enough to leave alone (possibly if you solely face lather, but certainly not for a bowl latherer). And I'd also say get an 830. Painted wood handles just scream "cheap" to me. Even when the clear finished wood ones cost less (1470 v 1460).
For the OP, I'd guess clear nail polish may work? I'm no expert but I know it's been used to protect shave brush labels before. Google "protect Simpson Sticker" maybe... I remember a few years back people were throwing hissy fits over Simpson stickers coming off after use and talking about how they should return the brush as defective and this and that.... and several people said that they just put clear sealant over it (which if memory serves was usually nail polish) and it stayed put.
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If you prefer the longer handle of the 1305 give a look at the 1800 which has the wooden handle, but unpainted. The knot is the same size, the hair slightly different. I haven't got one but have read enough reviews to know people who own one love them. I've got the cherry-wood handled SOC which is similar (not the same) to the 1305, and I do love that brush.
The paint is epoxy and very durable. About the only way to damage it would be to drop the brush or whack it against something sharp
Use a cup to soak it in and only fill it up to the top of the bristles (below the handle).
I use a Williams promotional mug to soak all of my brushes in.
Plop the brush in the empty mug, put it under the faucet and fill it to cover most of the bristles leaving the handle out of the water
Use a cup to soak it in and only fill it up to the top of the bristles (below the handle).
I use a Williams promotional mug to soak all of my brushes in.
Plop the brush in the empty mug, put it under the faucet and fill it to cover most of the bristles leaving the handle out of the water
