Toothpick "Brush"
The world's cheapest paintbrush. . .
I keep a box of regular flat toothpicks handy for all kinds of little emergencies, like filling stripped screw holes.
This is what I do when I need a really tiny paintbrush for one quick dab of stain. I'd rather not have to clean up a fine artist brush, so I'll reach for a toothpick if the job is a quick one and not too demanding.
I just take a flat toothpick and mash the end, while rotating it between my fingers.
In seconds I've shredded the wood fibers and I have a little "brush."
It's not flexible and the fibers can break, so it's not much of a brush, but. . .
It's just enough of a brush to suck up a nice load of stain from my little artist palette:
This is my little palette with dried-up stains. I don't clean up after I use it, and here's why.
I can paint on just a little right where I need it:
Nothing like this little tool to paint a dot of stain in a hurry.
Sure, I'll use my fine little sable brushes for more sophisticated staining, painting grain lines, etc.
I can make up, use, and throw away one of these little toothpick brushes so easily, they're a real staple in my touchup arsenal.