THE MANY USES OF STIR STICKS

Paul Broussard Broussard Paint

Had a thought the other day while fixing my Dad's florescent light fixture with shavings from a paint stick. I can't count the many uses I've seen and done with a paint stick. I asked around a bit for suggestions, and compiled a list.

Here's a few-

Great stick to tuck in those stray carpet fibers along the base board.

Lop a piece off to fill in those stripped screw holes.

Two will make a handy wedge to prop a door open while drying.

Great 1/8th shim.

Good swatter for the dog.

Good for stirring the charcoal around.

Dana Dawes @ paintcraft contributed-

Good stock for filling in "gains" where hinges were removed.

Good for slipping under (un-hung) doors while finishing/painting.

Use to stir paint, then label, and keep for sample of color.

Use for tucking in compression weatherstrip around exterior doors.

Years ago, I asked a helper on the ground to toss me up a stir stick. After several unsuccessful attempts, he changed his technique: he grasped the stick in the middle, thumb on one edge, all four fingers on the other. When he threw the stick, he spun it hard so it rotated along the long axis. This resulted in a totally unpredictable flight accompanied by a way cool whirring sound.

Thus was born the gentle art of stir stick throwing. It's been handy over the years for such things as amusing clients' children so they will go off and try it, rather than continuing to touch the doors that you're painting.

Davefr noted-

They used to be good for testing stain color but lately they seem to treating these stir sticks with something that impedes the penetration of stain. They are also becoming to thin to use to stir heavy bodied paint.

They make good fireplace kindling though!!!

Vince adds-

They are clean and flat for mixing epoxy such as JB Weld.

Great for killing black widow spiders

Scooping grease out of the can.

Measuring gas in the tractor or mower etc.

Garden row sticks

Check for paint drying instead of touching the work.

Bruce contributed-

I use them for mixing Bondo--one end to get the Bondo putty out of the can and the other end to mix the putty with the hardener. This way the Bondo end doesn't get contaminated with the hardener.

Scott King recalls-

My parents used to keep one in the glove compartment of the station wagon to keep my brother and I in line on long road trips :)

I'm sure you can can come up with a few of your own! Post them on PCR board for an interesting thread.

All articles appearing on this site are copyrighted by the Painters Chat Room. Permission to reproduce any portion of this site including submitted articles must be obtained by e-mailing us at administration@painterschatroom.com. (c) 2000

Archives of Tricks of the Trade.