Blue. I picked it up at a flea market by O'Hare Airport. I was planning on steaming out the knot. I am not sure whether I want to use a TGN Finest or a TGN Boar. the problem is I think they would both be great in there. Maybe I will have to keep my eyes open for a second one so I can one of each. Nonetheless, I definitely will polish this one the same method you used. I have a large hand and really like the feel of the Surrey handle. What are your thoughts on the TGN Boar now that some time has passed and it is likely very nicely broken in?
I actually like it a lot, not quite as much as the TGN Omega unbanded boar, but I find it to be very good. HERE is a thread showing my first VDH brush that I also replaced the knot in with a 24mm boar from TGN. That particular knot isn't as good as the one made by Omega, and I don't believe it's even available anymore, but it looked very similar to the original one which is why I went with it. TGN now has several sizes of the unbanded boar knots available, I'm guessing they are very good knots if you like boar. The VDH brush is still sold at Walgreens and either Rite Aid or CVS I believe, you might consider picking one up to try a couple different knots in.
A small detail brush I picked up at Hobby Lobby in the area where they sell the paint and stuff for model cars. It's a package that has around six or so, they are the perfect size for the grooves.
You did a very excellent job. I did not know that the Surrey Brush was the predecessor to the Van Der Hagen Brush. You learn something new everyday. Again great job.
More than likely steam will not be able to remove the knot. Be ready to use the Dremel and carbide bits if necessary. Good fortune to you on the work ahead!
What did you guys use to achieve that nice and glossy finish? I found one, and am in the process of "sprucing" it up.
Wet / Dry Sandpaper and Novus Polish. Remember this is a rubberized style handle so working with it is a bit different than hard plastic. After removing the knot, run the handle in a small stream of lukewarm water and then start to sand with a 400 grit paper to get any anomalies (bumps and rises) out of the way. Then move up to an 800 or 1000 grit and continue the sanding until it starts to really smooth out. Next go to a 1500 grit paper and then finish off with a 3000 grit paper. After it is completely smooth, then buff in Novus #2 polish to get it really glossy and finish with the Novus #1. A lot of work but it is worth it.
I sadly realized that the one I had was a hard plastic and the knot was one huge nightmare. It was impossible to steam out the knot, and after I cut and drilled the knot out, I found some hard plaster type filling. I'm not going to waste my time with it any longer. It will get pushed to the back burner, and might re-attack later. Thank you for the info, I will keep that in mind when I work on another handle project.
Many of them harden until they are like plastic. Steaming is useless with all Surrey and VDH brushes if properly constructed. I have had some that were hard as rocks and had the plaster in them. Others were softer and had glue that resoftened under the drill and made a mess. So yes, they can be an issue to work. Good fortune if you go at it again.
I used around 1000 grit sandpaper to remove the mold lines and Meguiars PlastX plastic polish and a microfiber cloth to get the shine.
