Yes, KBS Strip can be brushed on with a natural bristle brush. Spraying with the included sprayer is the standard method and the fastest way to cover open, flat surfaces, but brushing works just as well when spraying isn't practical, such as on small parts, tight corners, or oddly shaped pieces.
Key Facts Use a natural bristle brush, not synthetic. Apply an even, generous coat and let it dwell 20-30 minutes before scraping. The process after application is the same whether you sprayed or brushed it on. |
When to brush instead of spray
The included sprayer, set to STREAM, is the right tool for open, flat areas like a hood, a tank exterior, or a fender, where a wide, even coat matters more than precision. A brush makes more sense on small parts, corners, edges, or pieces with a lot of surface detail, where spraying risks overspray onto surrounding material or simply can't get the coat where it needs to go. Copper tubing, small hardware, and detailed trim pieces are common examples where a brush is the more practical choice.
Brush application, step by step
- Dip a natural bristle brush into KBS Strip and apply an even, generous coat over the area to be stripped.
- Let it dwell 20-30 minutes. Heavier or multi-layer coatings may need a second application before scraping.
- Scrape off the blistered finish with a putty knife. A stiff scrub brush works well on corners and tight spots.
- Once about 90% of the coating is removed, apply another coat, wait 5-10 minutes, then scrub with #2 steel wool dipped in water or a mild solvent (paint thinner, mineral spirits, or alcohol).
- Wipe the surface clean and rinse thoroughly with water.
Pro Tip Treat the brush as disposable. KBS Strip is an aircraft-strength stripper, and synthetic bristles will soften or break down on contact, so stick with a basic natural bristle brush and don't expect to reuse it for other projects. |
Spray vs. brush application
| Method | Best for | Tool |
| Spray (included sprayer) | Open, flat surfaces: hoods, panels, tank exteriors | Sprayer set to STREAM |
| Brush | Small parts, corners, tight spaces, detailed pieces | Natural bristle brush |
Whichever method you use, KBS Strip works best when the ambient and surface temperature is above 70°F, closer to 80°F is even better. Full details, including tank-stripping directions and safety notes, are in the KBS Strip Application Directions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I brush on KBS Strip instead of spraying it?
Yes. KBS Strip can be applied with a natural bristle brush. Spraying with the included sprayer is the standard method and covers open, flat areas fastest, but a brush works well on small parts, tight corners, vertical edges, or any shape where spraying is awkward or wasteful.
Does the dwell time or process change when brushing on KBS Strip?
No. Once KBS Strip is on the surface, whether it got there by spray or brush, the rest of the process is identical: let it dwell 20-30 minutes, scrape off the blistered finish with a putty knife, apply a second coat once about 90% is removed, then finish with a #2 steel wool scrub and a water rinse.
What kind of brush should I use with KBS Strip?
Use a natural bristle brush. KBS Strip is a solvent-based aircraft-strength stripper, and synthetic bristles can soften or degrade on contact. A basic natural bristle brush is inexpensive and fine to treat as disposable after the job.
Why does KBS Strip come with a sprayer if it can be brushed on?
The included sprayer is the fastest way to cover larger, open surfaces evenly. Brushing is simply the better tool choice for small parts or tight spaces where a spray pattern is hard to control or would waste product on surrounding areas.
Ready to strip your project? KBS Strip removes powder coat, epoxies, lacquers, and most factory finishes in a single application. |