FaithfullFAIBRCHURN Churn Brush 250mm (10in)

these are a hard to find item in the USA. Used in the final stage to set Lime Mortar when tuck pointing stone walls. Trust the Brits to have just the right tool. I'm going to order a second brush to keep in stock in case I lose this one.

These are excellent brushes, and I was introduced to them a few years ago by my stonemason, with whom I've been working again recently.Made in the traditional manner, with a solid wood handle and thick natural bristles, they're tough as boots and designed for hard work. Originally used for scrubbing out milk churns, they're also very handy indeed for cleaning off plant pots, scrubbing wellies, cleaning the patio, scrubbing down outdoor furniture, cleaning a barrow, washing out a plasterers mixing tub - anything that needs a tough brush with a hard scrubbing action. The handle is chunky to enable a good workman's grip, so it might be a little big for tiny hands.This brush is also the go-to implement for stonemasons involved in traditional lime mortaring. Your lime mortar is inserted into the stone joint and left slightly proud. After a few hours it will begin to harden up a bit, forming a crust. At this point the mortar is "struck off" first by scraping it away to the required depth, then flogging it hard, in a stippling type action with this brush. It pushes the mortar firmly into the joint and produces a pleasing looking finish. You can do this yourself at home too, and if you do so I strongly suggest you use a lime putty, sand and grit mix, and without any - repeat any - cement in it. Too many misguided people add some "just to make it go off a little" but this is totally wrong and entirely misguided. Lime mortar does go hard, but it takes time. And it remains slightly softer than cement mortar for a reason - natural stone will eventually split, crack and de-laminate if you use a modern, hard, cement based mortar!

Took forever to arrive (which is fine, we're in a global pandemic after all), but once it got here, I opened the parcel to find the wooden handle was all mouldy. At our last house, we had an epic battle with mould - so I am unfortunately very familiar with the look and smell of it. I initially felt so good buying this item because it's * yay not plastic! * but I suppose natural materials have their own risks. I've soaked it in bleach, but sadly has been banished to the garden, and will not be coming in the house again. Seems like a good, well built product otherwise, with good stiff bristles.

It should be tapered its not. The bristles are awful too. Too stiff, i just hit mine against a plaster wall three times and its lost about 4mm from them already. It'll last about five minutes. DO NOT BUY FOR BEATING BACK LIME.

Good value for money. Sturdy stiff bristles. Previous churn brushes have lasted years in general outdoor and garden cleaning, but this will be used for lime mortar pointing so may be a little less long lived !

And what is sheerness and how does that relate to a churn brush? This brush is very useable, I have scrubbed my wooden fence prior to painting at it does a good job (in my hands).