Ever since I picked up a brush I've used Sapphire Brush oil.
Called to order some more today and recieved the bad news that my supplier couldn't get it any more.
I called a fellow letterhead to ask him where he gets his oil and he said that he thought he overhead talk at a meet that Sapphire oil is not being made anymore.
I couldn't find a website for them or a phone number.
Does anyone know if this company has closed or stop producing brush oil?
And second question is: Is one shot brush conditioner the popular choice for a replacement?
Thanks in Advance.
Posted by Bill Preston (Member # 1314) on :
Hi, Bob,
One-shots product is my first choice. Haven't tossed a brush in a long time.
Posted by John Smith (Member # 1308) on :
Pros and cons on this subject !!!!!! I have used automatic transmission fluid for the past 15 years with no side effects. Am sure you will get LOTS of feedback on this one.
Posted by Rob Larkham (Member # 2105) on :
I have used everything under the sun. At a recent pinstipers meet I got turned onto Mineral oil. Cheap and can be bought in any Pharmacy. I sort of like it.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Actually I welcome the many responses on this one.
The hardest part is change. I've been using the Sapphire because that is what I was taught to use, not because it was the best, just a habit.
I've got a case of Sapphire brush oil somewhere in my possession Bob and I thought I sent you one, must have been their Paint-Sav huh? Use whatever kind of oil thats easiest to get a hold of. If you use 1-Shot conditioner remember to wash it out after you condition your brush or it will stiffen up after some time. There are so many oils which can be used and this has been gone over many times so whether it is grape seed oil, mineral oil, neatsfoot, transmission fluid or motor oil, use whatever you want as long as this topic ends soon.
Posted by cheryl nordby (Member # 1100) on :
I have used baby oil for years.
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
like john smith, i use transmission fluid.
i first clean the brush with spirits.
then i add a few drops of tranney fluid. (i have a 1 pint container that has lasted me for 6 years and it is still half full.) (ya don't have to load the brush with this stuff, just simply wipe the brush between thumb and pointing finger, massage the fluid into the brush.
just enough to keep any left over medium from drying until you get ready to use the brush again.
baby oil works great as well as mineral oil.
i store my brushes in an air tight and insect proof case.
my new mack waterborne brushes, i simply clean well and let air dry.
"use whatever you want as long as this topic ends soon." hahahhahahahahaha good one joey!!!"
now let's talk about storing fitches and cutters. an old outdoor advertising trick, clean brushes well, if you are gonna use them the next day, wrap in brown paper and stand in mineral spirits.
remember, break a fitch or cutter in properly by facing the writing on the handle towards you.
have i bored you enough joey??? hahahahahaa
mark
[ October 31, 2001: Message edited by: Mark Fair Signs ]
Posted by Preston McCall (Member # 351) on :
As I have said many times: I leave my brushes flat pointed in one direction, in a 4"x12"x1.5" metal box saturated in mineral spirits. Even if I am not brushing for a week or more, I leave enough in to make sure nothing gets dry. Been doing it this way for the last eleven years and one #6 quill, (that I rarely use) is still perfect. No brush oil means no paint adhesion problems in my humble opinion. Also, no Squirtz, please!
Posted by Rich Stebbing (Member # 368) on :
ATF has worked for me for a number of years now.
Posted by bill riedel (Member # 607) on :
Maybe this will be the last post on the subject. No one ever mentions lemon oil, it is had in the hardware store or supermarkets under the name of Old English Furniture Polish. It is a light oil that doesn't dry out and is very easily cleaned out with thinners. Been using it since 1948 with no problems. Tried neatsfoot oil by the sign suppliers suggestion and it dried hard as a rock.
Posted by Bob Rochon (Member # 30) on :
Geez I hope this won't be the last post on this subject.
I for one was really looking to see if Sapphire was still around or not. If not I'm happy to try recommendations from others.
There are new people coming to this board all the time, and they are probably reading this as we type.
This is what this board is all about for me, sharing info.
Please don't feel like your being redundant answer things more than once on the board. Not everyone reads every post and, even though a thread is running concerning a certain topic, it may not be of interest to an individual untill that topic is of need to someone.
Such as brush oil, Hey I never considered anything other than Sapphire brand until I couldn't get it any more. Now I am forced to try other methods.
So, Now it is important to me, Next month might be someone elses time and so on.
If we stop sharing info than the craft ends there.
And I do thank those who have already shared and those who continue to share info in this thread.
Posted by Jim & Chris hetzler (Member # 1709) on :
I have done like Dutch and Roth from long ago, use motor oil to protect my brushes.....I still have my first MAC brush and it still works only makes skinnier lines today...that was over 25 years ago. You do have to get the oil witout detergent in it though.
HETZ
Posted by Rick (Member # 373) on :
I dont think I could use tranny fluid, hate the smell of it, same with motor oil. I use baby oil because theres plenty of it in the closet. When that runs out, Ill try mineral oil, got plenty of that too for making homemade fish formula.
Wheres a good place to get a durable brush box? for cheap of course
Posted by donny pavolini (Member # 2244) on :
Mike Fast at ANDREW MACK brush company suggests,and sells neatsfoot oil for brushes. I recently bought a bottle from Wal-Mart for about 2 bucks. I personally have used it for 3 years and it is unbelievable. BUY IT, USE IT LOVE IT. Transmission fluid in the past has attacked the glue in the heel of some of my brushes and I will never use it again.How some other guys can use it is beyond me but then again, most things are.
TRUST ME THIS WORKS AND IS ECONOMICAL.GOOD LUCK.
Posted by Bruce Deveau (Member # 1600) on :
I think we're all happy to respond to a lettering question....I can't believe that I'm the only one who uses Marvel Mystery Oil on brushes. It is much like trans fluid but a bit thinner, which I like. It rinses out perfectly and I've never had a problem with any aspect of its performance. And it's a beautiful red color...
Bruce Deveau
Posted by Mark Fair Signs (Member # 289) on :
it all come down to how well you clean the brush. a quill only requires a small amount of "brush oil" if it is cleaned properly.
if i know that i will be using the brush the next day i might not be so picky as far as brush cleanliness.
i will dip the quill in my choice of oil and position it in a tray tipped toward the end of the hairs, so the oil will not saturate the ferrule.
Posted by Jillbeans (Member # 1912) on :
Hi Bob. Bummer! I am also a devoted fan of Sapphire. My supplier told me the same thing. I tried linseed oil, and I now have several quills a'la Viagra...tried the Mack, dunno if I like it or not yet. My brushes are all junk now anyway. I think I will tie them into Blair Witch- type stick forms and hang them in my shrubbery, just to scare customers. I guess I'll try that marvel stuff- I always liked their logo anyhow. I don't like tranny fluid or motor oil- if you don't clean the living daylights out of the brush, you can get the dreaded fish-eye when you use them. At least I do! So if you ever do find a supplier for Sapphire, please let me know- it's the best, in my humble opinion! Love- JILL ps Mark Fair- how'd you get that pic of Mike already? Wait till ya see the real ones he took!
Posted by Dave Sherby (Member # 698) on :
You Saphire Oil fans are going to love this. I visited the Mack Brush booth at the International Letterhead Meet and saw they had a new brush oil called Wall Dog Brush Oil. According to the man at the Mack Brush booth, this IS the old Saphire Oil formula, resurected by Wall Dog Products, PO Box 1123, Hamilton OH 45012. You should be able to cantact them or Mack Brush to find a supplier near you.
Posted by Mike Languein (Member # 319) on :
Baby Oil is Mineral Oil with perfume added. I suspect Sapphire Oil is the same with blue dye added. I had a lot of trouble with lard oil, especially after it mysteriously changed a few years ago, and have been using baby oil since with no problems. If you use trans fluid, get the red stuff for automatic transmissions, not SAE 90 gear lube!
First time I heard of anybody using lemon oil...
Posted by Carl Wood (Member # 1223) on :
I clean my brushes in Rapid Remover (Where is Roger on this?) then dab on a little 3-in 1 oil...dunno if it's the best way but it works so far for me.
