Disposable Paper Towel Paint Brush Device
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Estimated printing price per file
€0.78 – €0.95 net (excluding VAT)
For file: brush-03-all_02mm_pla_mk3s_1h6m.gcode
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Average indicative estimate: €0.87 excluding VAT (range midpoint).
- Weight reported by the author
- 6 g
- Print time reported by the author
- 1.1 hr
- Source material
- PLA
- Estimate material
- PLA
- Estimate printer
- Bambu Lab P1S - 0.4 nozzle
- Estimate process
- 0.20mm Standard
Indicative estimate for the selected file only, based on the author’s weight and print time. File variants are not added together. The final price is calculated after file analysis.
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Re-usable holder makes it easy to use paper towel as a brush. Use the brush, toss the paper towel and re-use the holder.
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Model information
- Source
- Printables
- Category
- Tools
- License
- Creative Commons — Public Domain
Note [July 6, 2023] : I have created an improved version of this print, which is essentially a simplified version which prints faster and uses less filament. See the improved version here:
https://www.printables.com/model/521439-disposable-paper-towel-paint-brush-device-improved
Sometimes when I need to paint or stain a small area I find it easier to use a small piece of rolled up paper towel as a "brush" - simple and easy to make and just toss it when you're done. Unfortunately the rolled up towel is not very stiff, and it also easy to get paint or stain on your hands.
This print is designed to make it easy and convenient to both make and use a "paper towel paint-brush." There are three parts to the print:
- Handle : This part is obvious; also, it snap-fits into the tang.
- Tang : Supports the paper towel, and connects to the handle.
- Collar : Slips around the paper towel on the tang and holds it in place with simple pressure.
How to use (also, see photos) :
- Start with a sheet of paper towel in "standard" size - the paper towel rolls I purchase have sheets that measure 27.9cm x 25.9cm.
- Cut the paper towel sheet into quarters; each quarter will make one "brush."
- Fold the quarter sheet in half, and with the folded edge toward the handle, wrap it around the tang.
- Slip the collar over the wrapped paper towel (from the tang end) and slide it onto the tang until it grips the paper towel firmly.
You can also take a scissors and cut some slits into the end of the "brush" to make "bristles" (just don't cut into the tang!), although this is not strictly necessary.
Use the brush like a regular paintbrush. When you're done, just remove the used paper towel and throw it away, and you're ready for a new brush. At around 16¢ apiece, it's cheap enough to print half a dozen or so and keep them around for those small paint jobs that crop up from time to time.
Some caveats : I have used paper towel brushes (before I made this holder) for latex paint, oil based paint, polyurethane, and for stains with good results, but the paper towel does not hold up well for large areas, and tends to wear quickly on rough surfaces. The paper towel can also shed paper fibers which may be a problem for some applications.
In the photos you can how I used the brush to apply polyurethane finish to some wooden drawer fronts.
The OnShape 3D CAD files for this are here :
Print instructions
Print all three parts at once in PLA using the 3mf file provided; otherwise :
- infill 0%
- perimeters = 4
- 0.2mm layer height
I printed on a smooth build plate and did not find it necessary to use a brim.
Update : I had a couple of partial failure prints with the collar coming loose from the build plate. Solved the problem by cleaning the build plate with ethyl alcohol and a tiny bit of glue stick.