Customer Reviews:
Good flow but too much shedding
By: AJ (Nov, 2019)
I like these brushes for shellac but from day one and over the two years i have been using both the 1" and 3", I am constantly picking hairs out of the brush and the finish. It is very annoying. Is this normal for animal hair. I can't ever trust the brush so I have to pre-check it for loose hairs and then go over the finish. Just yesterday, finishing a 3x6 maple table top with a 1 1/2# cut, I picked over 20 hairs out. It really doesn't seem right.
I own this product.
Flows nice, but shedding on first project
By: Jeff (May, 2019)
I bought the 2” ox hair brush for a specific project two years ago. I finally finished the woodworking this week and started applying shellac. I like the feel and flow of this brush, but I don’t like picking hairs out the finish. I’ve collected maybe 10 during two coats.
I own this product.
0wner
By: Tom Newman (Apr, 2019)
For years (decades) I used a Princeton 8500B to brush varnish on table tops and other furniture. It was the best available. Then, a few years ago, they quit making them. Your GT shebru.20 is keeping me in business. A great brush. If you know how to use one of these you don't need a spray booth.
I own this product.
Dr.
By: Terry Tumlin (Dec, 2018)
These brushes are a joy to use. If 6 stars were an option I'd click it.
I own this product.
Mr.
By: danny barrett (Aug, 2018)
i purchased your GT-shebru.xx, brush for applying thin shellac (zinsser seal coat) and am considering one for Minwax urethane finishes. when using seal coat the brush is so soft and formless it's like brushing with a rag at the end of the handle rather than bristles. one stroke across a table top and the bristles stay curled up like an ocean wave, and stay there until i turn the brush over and go the opposite direction. also lost quite a few bristles into the finished top surface and had to pick them out. the Minwax urethane i would like to use isn't much thicker that the seal coat and i'm now hesitant to order another brush. however the Fine Woodworking article you quote on this page says "it will lay down a coat of varnish with almost no brush marks" what am i missing were they over selling? don't misunderstand i think the brush is a quality product very finely made but are my expectations too high?
I own this product.
The Lost Scrolls of HANDWORK Magazine
By: Salko Safic (Jun, 2018)
I've been using this brush for shellac only a few years now and am going to buy two more. They are absolutely brilliant and perform much better than the goat hair version you can buy from the art supply store. Highly recommended!
I own this product.
Polyurethane
By: Eric (Feb, 2018)
I couldn't find a FAQ section on your site. I wanted to know if the Gramercy finish brushes could be used for oil-based Polyurethane?
I own this product.
Finishing Brushes
By: Maryann Kirk (Oct, 2017)
These are the BEST EVER! Smoothest finish EVER with Poly! They do take a long time to dry after cleaning, so order two.
I own this product.
Outstanding brushes!
By: Chris Haake (Dec, 2016)
These are absolutely wonderful brushes. I bought one when they were fairly new products and used it on several projects. Unfortunately, through my own carelessness, it was ruined. Despite the expense, I did not hesitate to buy a replacement.
One thing: TFWW opines that varnish may be too heavy for these brushes, but that has not been my experience. In fact, I've used them for ONLY varnish, most coats at full strength. The brush holds an amazing charge, and controlling the rate of flow through pressure is a breeze. Tipping up is also easy. I just won't be without one of these and may buy the whole set!
I own this product.
Mr.
By: C Baarsch (Jul, 2016)
I am back to order another. I tried the small brush and it works wonderfully. I have used it weekly for four months without cleaning and it shows no sign of wear. I use it with Zinsser unwaxed shellac cut one to one. Rinse in alcohol and hang it till the next use. These bristles are very fine and extremely flexible which leaves virtually no brush marks the way I use it. I have tried a lot of other brushes including artist brushes and natural bristles as well as manufactured, high priced and low, and didn't find anything that worked as well. The golden taklon artist brushes worked for awhile but they didn't hold enough material and after a month or so the bristles started to part leaving skipped streaks. I strongly recommend these brushes for thinned shellac.
I own this product.
clumps of hair fall out over time
By: Mason H. (Jun, 2016)
Several years ago I purchased this brush (2in. ox hair) and I was very happy with it until recently. I have only used it occasionally for shellac finishes, meaning once or twice every few months. While it did shed a little initially, it has recently begun to lose clumps of hair to the point I can no longer use it, which leaves me deeply disappointed.
I specifically bought this brush on the good reviews and the made in USA provenance, and I wanted it to be my "go to" brush for all my shellac work. I have completely "babied" it, using it only for shellac and only cleaning it in DNA...still, I am dealing with clumps of the ox hair falling out now. Hairs should not be falling out with a $50 brush, and I expected a longer lifetime.
I own this product.
Furniture Maker
By: Joe (Nov, 2015)
Love this brush! Holds a ton of finish and lays it down without a mark.
I own this product.
mr
By: michael michalofsky (Oct, 2015)
the brush for shellac is amazing
never used a brush like this before
btw
with respect to cleaning
i started using ammonia
cleans the brush in no time
joel can this damage the brush?
thanks
michael
I own this product.
Mr
By: M.W.Styga (Nov, 2014)
When brushing on lacquer for my segmented woodturning this brush is superior to the badger hair brush I own for which I paid the same price. The finest surface so far. The stainless steel is a plus. Have utilized this brush for several years and it still performs like new. Made in U.S.of A. That's refreshing.
I own this product.
Brush Shellac, No Problem
By: JRWW (Aug, 2014)
I had never brushed shellac with success before owning this brush. Quality of construction feels great. I have only used it a few times but seems like it will hold up for a long time with gentle use.
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supplier reponds
By: joel (Apr, 2014)
Fimwdwkr,
What are you using the brushes for? For shellac and lacquer as recommended they should work fine. Varnish is too viscous for a lot of the hair, so it breaks, and also cleaning the brush to get rid of varnish also weakens the brush. - joel
I am the manufacturer of this product.
MR
By: Fimwdwkr (Apr, 2014)
I love the brushes and have 3 sets, but sadly the brushes fall apart. I don't recommend them for they don't last.
I own this product.
Mr
By: G.W. Marton (Feb, 2014)
I bought two of these brushes several years ago for shellac application. These are truly in a class by themselves. The finish is consistently excellent (I use a 2 1/2 pound cut) and best of all, I haven't even used the second brush. I just rinse with alcohol when I'm done and let it dry. When I'm ready to use again, a soak in alcohol and its ready to go. My favorite finishing sequence is 3-4 heavy brush on coats followed by 400 sandpaper. Wipe down and pad on a finish coat. Works every time.
I own this product.