Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Flat Out Flat
- Watch Flat Out Flat product overview video here.
- Work in a well-ventilated area.
- Stir topcoat thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process. Do not shake.
- Test for adhesion when applying over an existing finish.
- Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume.
How do I care for my top coat?
They are low odor, spray beautifully and clean up with water. Appear milky white in the can, but dry clear. Never shake water-based topcoats. Shaking creates bubbles that will mar the finish. To increase open time add 10 to 15% Extender. Temperature and humidity impact the flow and dry time of your finish. Do not dry brush water-based topcoat.
How do I apply the top coat to my project?
Temperature and humidity impact the flow and dry time of your finish. Do not dry brush water-based topcoat. Mix the contents thoroughly and continue to stir throughout your project. Use foam brushes and/or a pad applicator covered with a nylon footie to apply the topcoat.
How do you apply a top coat to polyurethane?
Use foam brushes and/or a pad applicator covered with a nylon footie to apply the topcoat. The footie keeps the loose fibers contained and reduces bubbles during the application. Apply the topcoat liberally so you have an even, wet film.
How do you Dry a white top coat?
Appear milky white in the can, but dry clear. Never shake water-based topcoats. Shaking creates bubbles that will mar the finish. To increase open time add 10 to 15% Extender. Temperature and humidity impact the flow and dry time of your finish.
Do you have to sand between coats of general finishes top coat?
If a faster build is desired over raw wood, use General Finishes Sanding Sealer for the first coat, followed by 2 coats of High Performance Topcoat. Finish sand between coats with a fine-grade (220-320) sanding pad to improve smoothness and adhesion.
How long does it take for general finishes top coat to dry?
Dry Time Between Coats Dry 2+ hours between coats in ideal conditions: 70°F 21°C; 50% humidity. Be sure to allow adequate dry time. You can tell if a water-based finish is dry if it forms a powder when lightly sanded with a fine- grade (220-320) foam sanding pad or 400-grit sandpaper. If in doubt, wait longer.
Can you put General finishes top coat over paint?
You can use GF products over wall paint, but proceed with caution. Latex wall paints are engineered for a different purpose than wood finishes.
Do you have to sand before using general finishes?
2. PREP SANDING: The most critical part of finishing a piece of furniture happens before you open a can of stain or paint - it starts with the sanding. Prep sanding an existing finish further cleans the surface, removing built-up dirt, grime, and oil from hands.
Can you put General finishes top coat over wax?
General Finishes prefers top coats over waxes for durability and performance reasons. General Finishes High Performance Top Coat, and Glaze Effects to compliment the Milk Paints. You can also two tone the top with a Gel stain - see Chrissie's Collection page for some fine examples.
How long should stain sit before wiping off?
Wipe the stain off immediately if you'd like a lighter tone. But for a deeper tone, leave the stain on the wood for 5 to 10 minutes before wiping it off. Be sure to wipe off all the excess stain going in the direction of the grain of the wood.
When should I use top coat paint?
Top coating is a transparent or translucent coat of paint applied over the underlying material as a sealer....Top coating is used to provide:Resistant seals for coating systems.Initial barriers to the environment.Resistance to chemicals, water and weather.Toughness and wear resistance to the surface.Pleasant appearance.
How do you put on a top coat?
To apply the top coat, begin down the center of the nail to avoid the top coat from accumulating around the cuticle area then work your up in quick strokes. Ensure that there is the right amount of top coat when you paint and be sure to remove any excess top coat before you start applying it.
Can you put clear coat over white paint?
Don't apply any clear coat when using light or white paints. Topcoat is perfectly fine over darker colors.
How do you use general finishes?
1:372:56How to Apply Water Based Topcoat - Hand Application - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYour application method is we recommend three to four coats of finish. Waiting. One to two hoursMoreYour application method is we recommend three to four coats of finish. Waiting. One to two hours between coats.
Do you have to put a top coat on milk paint?
Keep in mind, however, that while porous paint products like milk paint retain beauty over time and allow easy cleaning, they require a proper top coat sealer to keep out water, dirt and other contaminants.
How do you clean raw wood after sanding?
To properly clean wood after sanding, employ the assistance of either a painter's dust brush, a blower, a clean rag, a tack cloth, mineral spirit, or denatured alcohol. You could also choose to use a combination of some or all of these materials before applying paint, varnish, or stain to the surface of wood.
How much time between coats of General Finishes gel stain?
General Finishes recommends 6-8 hours of dry time between coats. A top coat is not necessary due to the high amount of urethane in the gel stain that will provide protection.
How can I speed up the drying time of varnish?
Thin the varnish with an appropriate solvent. Oil-based varnishes usually call for Mineral Spirits whereas water-borne/based finished take water. Not only will this make applying it easier, it will dry a lot faster.
Why is my gel stain sticky?
If you applied the stain correctly, and it still remained tacky, it could be due to rainy weather or high humidity. Give it a few more days to see if it improves. Another possibility is that the stain was old or came from a bad batch.
How long does it take for water-based polyurethane to cure?
Water-based polyurethane is dry and ready for the next coat in 2 hours in optimal conditions. It can also fully cure in 3 days, but so many factors such as how many coats can delay this process, so you should estimate at least 3 weeks.
How to sand a top coat after it's dried?from university.generalfinishes.com
After the first layer has dried, use a 220 sanding pad to lightly sand the topcoat. This is a light buffing that will produce a light powder, indicating the finish is completely dry. When you run your hand across the surface it should feel smooth. Use an oil-free tack cloth to wipe off the powder. Make sure there is no debris left on the surface before applying the next coat.
How long does it take for a top coat to dry?from university.generalfinishes.com
Whatever your application method, apply 3 to 4 layers of topcoat. Let each coat dry 2 to 4 hours and sand in between with a 220 sanding pad.
How to apply topcoat with nylon footie?from university.generalfinishes.com
Mix the contents thoroughly and continue to stir throughout your project. Use foam brushes and/or a pad applicator covered with a nylon footie to apply the topcoat. The footie keeps the loose fibers contained and reduces bubbles during the application.
Can you shake water based topcoat?from university.generalfinishes.com
Never shake water-based topcoats. Shaking creates bubbles that will mar the finish.
How do you apply water based polyurethane to floors?
Water based polyurethane floors should be cleaned with a damp mop before application. The first coat should be thinned with 10-15% water and allowed to dry for 4-6 hours before a second coat is applied. Subsequent coats can be applied without thinning.
How do I get a smooth finish after polyurethane?
Use a high-quality natural bristle brush to apply the finish in the direction of the grain. Work in small areas so the finish doesn’t dry before you get it brushed out. The thinner, the better. Too much finish can build up and will not dry properly, resulting in a sticky surface.
What is the way to apply polyurethane?
Apply polyurethane with a brush, working in the direction of the grain. For best results, apply a thin, even coat and allow it to dry completely before adding additional coats.
How do you apply a water-based finish?
A water-based finish should be applied with a brush or a clean, lint-free cloth. To avoid streaks, work in the same direction as the grain of the wood. Apply the finish in thin, even coats, and allow each coat to dry completely before applying the next.
What is the top coat for hardwood floors?
Different types of top coats offer different benefits, so it is important to choose the one that best meets the needs of your particular floor. Some common types of top coats include polyurethane, wax, and oil-based finishes.
How do you clear coat a wooden floor?
In general, you clear-coat a wood floor with a polyurethane-based finish. This can be in the form of a liquid, a gel, or a wax.
How do you cut the last piece of flooring?
This can be done a few ways. You can use a circular saw and set the depth to the thickness of the flooring. Or you can use a utility knife to score the flooring and then snap it at the score line.
How long do general finishes last?from generalfinishes.com
Water-based products do not last forever, even when unopened. General Finishes products are best used within 1 year of the manufacture date listed on the bottom of the can. The life of the product may be extended to 2-3 years with proper care and storage.... View All FAQs.
Is topcoat better than wax?from generalfinishes.com
It depends on whether you are looking for aesthetics or durability. A topcoat will provide greater durability and protection than wax finishes over time....
How long does it take for a high performance paint to dry?
HIGH PERFORMANCE is a “water white,” low-odor finish that dries crystal clear, is ready to recoat 2-4 hours, and can be applied over any stain or paint as long as the underlying finish is dry. ENDURO-VAR is also low-odor and cleans up with water, ambers over time, and can be recoated in 4 hours.
How many oil based finishes are there?
In General Finishes retail line, there are two oil based and *three water based choices.
How long does it take for Arm R Seal to dry?
ARM-R-SEAL is a liquid penetrating finish; dries in 12-24 hours, and can be wiped on with a cloth or brushed on. It is offered in Satin, Semi-gloss and Gloss.
Can you use water based topcoat with linseed oil?
NEVER USE any water-based topcoat with oils such as Danish, Tung or Linseed.
Is General Finishes Enduro Var water based?
Let’s start with the properties of our water-based topcoats, General Finishes High Performance Topcoat and General Finishes Enduro-Var Topcoat. HP and Enduro-Var are non-penetrating and topical, cleanup with water, are easily sprayed or hand applied, and available in flat, satin, semi-gloss and gloss.
Do you have to sand between coats of general finishes high performance?
Proper sanding will separate a great result from a poor one. When using any of our topcoats, such as High Performance, Gel Satin, Arm-R-Seal or Exterior 450, sand between coats with a 220 sanding pad or 400-grit sand paper. If you want an even smoother finish, you can finish with a grit as high as 600.
How do you buff a general finishes top coat?
Rubbing or Buffing out a Finish: Wipe on a thin, even coat with a clean cloth. Let sit 1-2 minutes. Buff off the excess with a buffing or sanding pad (see below) in the direction of the wood grain. The higher/finer grit you use, the easier it will be to achieve a high-gloss finish.
Can I use general finishes top coat over paint?
You can use GF products over wall paint, but proceed with caution. Latex wall paints are engineered for a different purpose than wood finishes. Walls generally experience less wear and tear than horizontal surfaces, so they are manufactured without the resin systems that make furniture paint more durable.
Can you wipe on general finishes high performance?
If a faster build is desired over raw wood, use General Finishes Sanding Sealer for the first coat, followed by 2 coats of High Performance Topcoat. Wipe along the wood grain using smooth, even strokes.
Is polyurethane a top coat?
And in recent decades polyurethane, or poly (as I’ll call it for short), has become the go to topcoat finish for woodworkers everywhere. Nearly every finish & topcoat manufacturer has come up with a poly product for sale. It can be bought in all finishes, from matte to gloss.
How long does general finishes top coat take to dry?
Specifications Basic Features Dry Time – Recoat 2+ hr Dry Time – Light Use 7-10 days Dry Time – Cure 21 days Contents.
How do you fix bad polyurethane?
The problem is easily fixed. Sand the uneven finish using fine-grit sandpaper. Try not to sand too hard or you may go through into the stain, requiring that you re-stain the area. Wipe away dust and debris with a clean cloth. Apply a very light coat of polyurethane to the sanded area with a brush.
What does flat sheen mean?
Water Based, Flat Sheen, I mean FLAT. Not so thin in foams up like spit, Not so thick ya can’t get an even stroke, Long enough wet edge for minimal brush marks (how porous of chalk paint used makes a difference), Durable to take regular household wear,
Does GF top coat yellow?
A year and a half later, I can see the aged effects of GF Top Coat. The makers say it yellows and it does. 3 of the 4 pieces the yellowing isn’t noticeable but one piece is significant. The only difference is the one piece is old, almost antique. All pieces were primed using oil based primer. Yeah, it could be bleed through but the yellowing is across the piece, not just in a spot or two.
Can you top coat GF enamel?
Solution: GF Brushable White Enamel requires no top coat. It’s made to not need a topcoat therefore no chance of yellowing. The can says top coat is not recommended. I’ve used it before in my war with white and share my tips here. So, I’ll use it for all white pieces I paint however, it is so tough distressing is not an option. It’s enamel made to take all the scratching a user can deliver.
