I'm using shellac for the first time (ever) and I was wondering if the pros have a secret for preventing the brush from hardening in between coats.

I bought some "brush cleaner" liquid and those things aren't cheap ($7.00). The instruction label recommends pouring enough to submerge the bristle. I'll go broke if I have to clean my brush between every application!

I suppose a rag is better since it more efficiently makes use of less cleaning solution. Is it ok to resuse a rag?