Whatever the method it must be thorough, for whether the protective finish is prepared at home or purchased readymixed, the pigments will settle to the bottom of the container when not in use. To remedy this condition the best method is to pour off the liquid into a clean container and thoroughly stir the muddy residue. During the stirring small portions of the pouredoff liquid are added until the proper consistency is obtained, and the pigment is thoroughly broken up in suspension. In all finishing operations it will be found next to impossible to maintain too large a stock of clean empty tin cans, cups or screwtop Mason jars. With their airtight rubber rings the latter afford excellent storage, when the friction top containers have become damaged or too gummy to exclude air when closed. Brushes. The home craftsman who uses the brushing method to apply his finishes has learned from sad experience to treat his brushes as considerately as he customarily cares for his edged tools. Among other things he has learned that the best grade of brush is most economical in the end, and that to use a small brush to cover a large surface is as unwise as the reverse procedure. An Fu assortment of brushes ranging in width from in. to 2 in. 'chisel ИИ W msure an economical loading of the proper amount of Edge. lifllLinnv liquid for the job. ЛсгЗЩВщ best allpurpose finishing brush is often marked "XXX," with black Chinese bristles cut with a fullcup Fig. 5.1. Varnish brush, chisel edge as shown in Figure 5.1. The "XXX" marking indicates that the bristles are set in three rows; single or double rows are thinner in body, providing greater flexibility for brushing around turnings or moldings. The chisel end of a good brush is built into it by the proper arrangement of long and short bristles, whereas cheap brushes usually displav 2 FURNITURE FINISHING 309 chisel edge made by trimming the ends of the bristles. This practice removes the paintholding flag ends that are visible in brushes of good quality. Brushes come with varying bristle lengths, the longer ones holding more fluid but affording less control. Care of Brushes. Much time, money, and irritation can be saved by the proper care and cleaning of finishing and painting brushes. Because of the different liquid vehicles involved, separate brushes should be reserved for enamel, paint, lacquer, varnish, shellac, and stains. The best policy is to clean each brush immediatelyafter using it and prepare it for dry storage or hang it in its proper liquid for further use. The proper cleaning solvent will depend upon the finish used; paint and varnish brushes can be cleaned with turpentine or benzine, but shellac brushes are cleaned with denatured alcohol, and lacquer brushes with lacquer thinner. Water stains can of course be cleaned off with water, but nongrainraising stains require a special solvent issued by the manufacturer.