Newbie question of the day, are filler spreaders supposed to be reused?

J

jtfx6552

Member
Not sure where to put this question. Anyway, spread some filler yesterday, I have some more to do today.

The cured filler mostly popped of the ones I used yesterday, but the parts that didn't pop right off seem fairly well stuck.

I only had about a half dozen, and now I'm out.

A search on line shows them for sale in bulk, cheap, but obviously they can't be here today, and the local supply store is closed.

Anyway to clean off the ones I have without too much trouble? I fear if I depend on what appears to be stuck filler staying stuck, it will come unstuck and fall into my newly spread filler at the worst possible time.
 
you can reuse them until they no longer become practical(gouged etc.) I will spread my filler .. when i am done i spread a little of the mixed filler on the spreader ,wait for it to set up and snap it off the spreader and it comes out like new. It also makes a good indicator of when it is time to sand without messing up the real deal.
 
I save my used lacquer thinner and then before the filler is completely hard dip a used Krew 600 (yes, I save some of those too) to wipe the spreader clean.
Works great.
 
Funny thing, I have TONS of plastic spreaders that have been given to me for free with mfr's logos on them, but I will use one for the longest time, because I feel that I get them "trained," with a smooth edge and the right amount of curve.

I keep a metal quart can w/lid about half full of lacquer thinner with 1/4 size pad of red Scotchbrite inside. First I will use a putty knife to get rid of the major excess filler on board and spreader into a handy trash can, then use the thinner soaked Scotchbrite to loosen up the remaining mess, which then gets picked up with a paper towel. Once you get a system down, you can have your board, putty knife, and spreader clean in about 30 seconds.
 
I keep a towel in my pocket and wipe the filler off of the spreader when done, tune the edge of the spreader on a piece of cardboard to keep it true and smooth. A few swipes back and forth like you're trying to cut the carboard, the heat of friction will do the rest, pull off any plastic strings-better than new when done.
 
I don't do this every day, but this works for me: a quick wipe on cardboard or old phone book page then lac thinner with a towel, then dress it up like Bob says above.
 
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