Joining blob brush strokes

[JMKuoppala]

I used the blob brush to paint me this cool graffiti text and now I am wondering how can I join those paths into just one. I only want one component, not one that consists of many brush strokes.

Also when  try to fill some areas black with the Live paint bucket it shows those little lines that don't get the black color when using for example red background color. 

What should/can I do to fix my problems?

Thank yall for help <3!

[Monika Gause]

To join those shapes, just use Pathfinder > Unite (from the Pathfinder panel)

The thin white lines might just be artifacts from rendering 100K in CMYK color mode. How will you reproduce and use the drawing?

[JMKuoppala]

Thank you for your help!

I tried to use Pathfinder and Unite from there but it just says "The filter produced no results. Please select two overlapping paths."

And I will use this drawing in my website and also in the future print something with it. But now we have solved those white lines :D.

[Larry G. Schneider · Accepted solution]

Select the brush strokes and from the Object menu choose Expand appearance. Then do as Monika suggested.

[JMKuoppala]

I cannot choose Expand apperance 😞

[Monika Gause]

It's already a live paint group.

[JMKuoppala]

So is there anyting I can do to get rid of those overlapping parts?

[Monika Gause]

Please show the outline view. The blob brush can automatically unite strokes if set up that way.

[JMKuoppala]

I checked the outline view and it looks like that in some spots it has automatically done its job. 

(Screenshot posted on my reply to Larry)

[Monika Gause · Accepted solution]

You need to unite them before creating the live paint group.

[JMKuoppala]

THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

I have used Illustrator so little that even these types of easy tasks give me headache. But now I released the Live paint group and all works for now.

Much love ❤️

[Monika Gause]

You're welcome!