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Does Gel Stain Need a Top Coat?

sofa table finished with gel stain up against a wall

Post Date

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 12:00

Yes. All stains need a top coat. Think of stain as the color and top coat as the sealer and protectant. Discover the best topcoat for your gel stain.

Which GF Top Coat Should I Use?

Post Date

Tue, 12/30/2014 - 12:00

ANSWER:

It depends! Read on, or watch this GF video demonstration: http://youtu.be/torOAQy91q4

*Here are the main questions to ask yourself:

Flat Out Flat Water Based Top Coat

General Finishes Water Based Topcoat Flat Out Flat, Quart

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.

Should I use a coat of Gel Topcoat on raw wood to achieve an more even color before staining?

Gel Stains (Oil Based) Technique Tips

While Gel Stain can be applied over an existing finish, it was originally engineered for raw wood surfaces. We prefer applying the Gel Stain over a slip coat of mineral spirits instead of topcoat as shown in this video, "How to Apply Gel Stain to Raw Wood"

New Specialty Metallic Paints, Gel Stains and Matte Top Coat

Post Date

Fri, 07/24/2015 - 12:00

General Finishes is excited to show off some our new products of 2015.

Seal-A-Cell Oil Based Sealer

General Finishes Clear Oil Based Seal-a-Cell, Quart

An unusual combination of oils, urethanes, and wax, Seal-A-Cell Clear has served craftsman for decades as the best wipe-on clear coat to get that "natural" look on beautiful woods. The oils penetrate deep into the wood to highlight the figure of the wood, and the urethane ensures durability.

How Can I Reduce the Sheen of an Oil Based Top Coat? I Used Semi Gloss and It's Too Shiny.

example of a refinished table that is shiny

Post Date

Wed, 03/11/2015 - 12:00

ANSWER: You can rub down the finish with 0000 steel wool and

*Why Did the Finish On My Piece Become Cloudy After Top-Coating Milk Paint with High Performance?

High Performance Water Based Top Coat Repairing & Trouble Shooting Water Based Finishes

The term for a cloudy, milky appearance in the finish is Blush. There are three causes:

1. The most common reason is an incompatible stain. For example, using a water-based topcoat over an oil-based based stain. When the top coat is applied, the oil in the stain seeps up through the finish and reacts with the acrylic causing a chemical blush.

Oil Based Wood Bowl Finish

Wood Bowl Finish is a durable oil-and-urethane oil-based finish designed for decorative wooden bowls and turnings. For countertops actively used for chopping and cutting, use Butcher Block Oil instead.

How to Apply Oil Based Gel and Wipe-on Stains

General Finishes offers a complete line of oil based, water based and wax products. Application techniques differ between oil based products and water based products.