America's Leading Manufacturer of Innovative Water-Based Wood Finishes
GF recommends using the least expensive product that will provide the needed performance characteristics. We offer a range of products designed for professional spray applications and brush-on finishes for consumer use.
Yes, you can. The resin systems for General Finishes Exterior 450 Topcoat and Milk Paint are the same.
We recommend waiting 5-6 days to let the finish cure a bit before putting outdoors. The finish will continue to harden for approximately 20-21 days.
Douglas Fir is a difficult wood to stain evenly. A 50|50 mix of your Exterior 450 stain color and Exterior 450 Clear would be a better choice for an exterior conditioner. Blotching may still occur even with this procedure.
After applying the conditioner mix, let it dry 2-3 hours. Allow more time in humid weather. Then a apply the stain color of your choice. Multiple coats will deepen the color.
Do not use General Finishes Gel Stain or any oil based finish outside where this direct exposure to water. If your furniture will be resting under a cover and not exposed to direct water, you may have a successful result. We recommend our Milk Paint or Exterior 450 products instead.
Interior wood stains are formulated for interior use and do not contain UV absorbers, mold retardants or HALS (Hindered amine light stabilizers used to protect the polymers from the effects of photo-oxidation.) Waterbased interior stains are much more likely to fail.
You could try this look on an exterior door that will not receive a lot of sun, but be prepared for more maintenance than usual. It is not recommended.
Everyone should note that all exterior finishes need to be maintained at some point - MOTHER NATURE wins the longevity war
General Finishes Milk Paint is a premium low VOC, self-sealing interior/exterior mineral-based paint named for its low-luster sheen. So durable, it is a go-to finish for cabinets and furniture.
Flat Out Flat is a self-crosslinking water-based topcoat that mimics the lustrous look and feel of wax. The increased matting agents used to create "flat look" cause this wood finish to have less clarity, show fingerprints more and provide slightly less durability than High Performance.
Answer: There are several ways to determine whether a surface is dry.
Dry OIL BASED products are no longer tacky and they do not emit a smell.
Dry WATER BASED products no longer feel cool to the touch and a powder will form with light sanding.
There are four benefits to using sanding sealer as the first seal coat prior to topcoat
Enduro Water-Based Conversion Varnish
Enduro Water-Based Tintable 2K White Poly
Enduro Water-Based Pro Series White Polyurethane
Enduro Water-Based Tintable 2K Clear Poly
Hard Wax Oil & Hardener
Gel Stains
Water-Based Wood Stain
Pro Image Flooring Topcoat
Jen Poly Brushes
Stir Stix
Ultraflex Softback Sanding Sponge
GF Product Comparison Chart Professional Topcoats
