Mexican Plant Fibre
Widdops supply a range of brushes with Tampico fibre bristles. Suitable for a variety of uses, Tampico fibre brushes are most commonly utilised for cleaning and carpentry.
The Mexican plant fibre Ixtle, or Tampico fibre as it is also known, is a natural fibre which comes from the spiny, cactus-like Agave Lechuguilla plant that grows wild in the semi-desert upland areas of Mexico. The Mexican plant fibres are extracted by scraping away the pulpy matter from the freshly cut leaves to create Tampico fibre bristles which are then used to make Tampico fibre brushes.
Tampico fibre brushes
The soft texture of the Mexican plant fibre distinguishes itself by its great elasticity and resistance to temperature change up to 140ºC, as well as to acids and caustic soda. Tampico fibre brushes are utilised for their fineness and are best suited for polishing and grinding. The properties of Tampico plant fibres mean it has an excellent capacity to hold water, with Tampico fibre bristles holding up to 65% more water than synthetic polypropylene brush bristles.
Tampico Plante uses
Mexican plant fibre is more aggressive than nylon or horsehair and is completely bio-degradable, and anti-static. Tampico fibre brushes are typically used in manufacturing for removing surface particles and tool marks, dusting, wet scrubbing, cleaning, and spreading liquids.
Mexican plant fibre is excellent for removing light feather burrs and for light edge blending when used with a compound. The Tampico fibre bristles are available in a natural cream colour.
Union Mix
Union Mix is a blend of natural fibres including Tampico fibre bristles from the Mexican plant Lechuguilla, and the thicker, more abrasive Bassine from the stalks of the Palmyra plant.
Filament options from Widdops
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Widdops synthetic brush filaments are suitable for a wide range of applications and are one of our most popular brush filaments due to their robust nature and versatility.
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Animal hair brushes have been used for centuries; the first known use of animal bristles being used for brushes dates back to ancient times in China and Egypt.
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Metal is used as a brush filament, with Stainless Steel being the most popular filament as it is FDA-approved and widely used.
Frequently asked questions about Tampico fibre brushes
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Tampico fibre is a natural plant fibre which is sourced from the leaves Mexican plant Agave Lechuguilla. The Tampico fibre bristles are then used to make Tampico fibre brushes.
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Tampico fibre bristles are highly recommended for their natural softness. The durability of the Tampico fibre allows the bristles to be both soft and firm when dry.
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Tampico fibre brushes are incredibly versatile. They’re suitable for cleaning delicate surfaces and the Tampico fibre bristles are durable enough to be used in both wet and dry conditions, as well as being chemical resistant and anti-static.
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Yes! Tampico fibre bristles are made from the leaves Mexican plant Agave Lechuguilla, which grows in the Chihuahuan Desert in northern Mexico.