how do you clean your wool daubers?

V

vilePossum

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Jan 14, 2015
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okay, this is really a minor thing... i was just curious, how do you clean your wool daubers? i am using fiebings oil dye and basically just rinse them out under running water and let them dry in the air. though dry is probably the wrong word as even after weeks they still rub off paint.
this is not about getting them colour free. i never use already used daubers for another colour, i am simply wondering what the best practice would be. or should i skip the rinsing and just let them be after dying? (which would be the choice of my wife as the oil dye clings to the stainless kitchen sink)
 
I keep my oil dyes in pint jars, and keep the dauber in them all the time. So, no cleaning here. They last years doing it this way, and the jars are so much harder to tip over than the little plastic bottles. 'Course, I buy it in the big bottles...
 
Hmm I just pack them in a plastic ziplock bag and see if its good enough to be used on the next occasion. If not I move on to a new one, I haven't verified it but dipping it in isopropanol might give it a better rinse than water...
 
Watching this with interest! I balance mine on top of the dye bottle as they sit on the back bench. Sometimes they fall off and make a little mess.

I do like the idea of the pint bottles, I get the dye by the quart as well, gallon on black. Where do you get your bottles at? I know the oil dye is a little harsh on some plastics so I've been reluctant.
 
I put mine in ziplock bags and write the color on the bag. Some are over a year old and work like new. They are pretty cheap to replace but I still keep saving them.
JB
 
When I used daubers I just kept them in a can handle down. One for each color. Didn't clean them at all didn't seem to need it. I use disposable foam brushes now. I get a much more even coat with these than with daubers.
 
Hey Dave, could you please post a picture of those foam brushes? I know how they generally look like, just curious which ones you are using.
 
Anthony has a pic of one in the shop tour thread. Red handled and black foam. I use the same brushes for glue and dye. Its the pic where he shows my cutting board and maul.
 
Rinse in the sink, then use a little dish washing soap, then air dry. No residue, can use for whatever color afterwards. Have had the same bag of 10 for over 3 years. No wife to give me greif over the sink, but always looking for another ex-wife (next will be #4). Used to think it was them, beginning to think it may be me.
 
Florian, I've got a package of the foam brushes. We'll see if you like them. I think I got them at the dollar store.

I rinse under the tap, then follow with dish soap. Same as everyone, I use one per color, but I'm making the jump to the brushes. Not sure if the same procedure will work in that case, but again, they're inexpensive.
 
well, thanks a ton man! it isn't necessarily about saving the money, more like how not to make a mess and how to keep then in good operating shape (or i could simply toss them every time i am done with one piece ;) ). but after my last experience with the sunglass case i will definately try the foam brushes.
 
We don't get daubers here in South Africa,
I've just moved onto small art paint rollers the foam type, so far I'm impressed, but then our dyes are local made, previously used sponge cut off from dish cleaners, which work similar to the foam brushes but cheaper.
 
ha, allen, you are basically living closer to where i live than the rest of the folks around here... :) about the foam rollers, do you have any trouble with paint spilling/flying off (like when you are painting the walls)? also do you just dip them into the paint or do you use a shallow plate or something?
after watching the tandy video on dyeing with eco flow color i tried using the foam part from dish cleaners as well, however my results were... not that good.might have to try again.
 
I've tried a few different sponges. I like the dense horse/car wash type closed cell best. The open cell sponges waste dye and are streaky. Just my experience.
 
I buy the quart bottles but use the smaller 4oz containers on the work bench and I have a rubber band around the smaller bottle that I insert the dauber so it stays with the bottle. Never had a need to clean them, if they get not so nice looking, I just replace it.

G2
 
Rubber band! Now I can keep those unruly little buggers under control now! Thanks Gary!!!! :D :D :D

Office supply here I come.
 
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