I thought I finially had something important to say, but Fine Woodworking beat me to it.
For those who have not read this month copy I will repeat it.

Substitute gauze pads from your drug store, 4 inch pads worked fine on my picture fame. Wad up a pad, dip it in your varnish and spread a nice even coat on your project. Notice how evenly it goes on with no bush hairs and streaks. Nice thin even coat. Save the pad in a plastic bag, it will work for the next coat. and when done lay the pad out on something til varnish hardens. No fire hazard, no cans of used thinner sitting around.

I have only used this method with varnish but I can't see why it would not work with paint or stain



Walla, no thinner, no wondering if the brush is really clean, no saving or dumping dirty cleaner.