Exterior 450 Water-Based Clear Outdoor Topcoat

Exterior 450 Topcoat a clear-drying low VOC finish suitable for vertical exterior surfaces, such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors and entrance doors. It is not recommended as a deck finish. Exterior 450 is fortified with UV absorbers to stabilize and protect the integrity the finish*, and built-in mildewcides to slow mold and mildew growth. It performs well as a clear coat or as an optional topcoat over darker colors General Finishes Milk Paint. Do not use over light or white paints as yellowing may occur. *The UV additive in 450 Clear will protect the integrity of the film, but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight. Brush or spray. See our spray tip size recommendations here.  
4 Reasons to Switch to Water-Based Finishes

General Finishes Satin Water Based Topcoat Exterior 450, Gallon

Instructions

Step 1: Prep Sanding for General Finishes Exterior 450

All wood projects require preparation sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.

Preparation for Raw Wood Projects
See our video: How to Prep Sand Raw Wood

  1. 120-grit sandpaper followed by 150-grit or 220-grit sandpaper. Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpapers; this will close and seal the wood grain, preventing ideal color absorption. Also, do NOT use steel wool on water-based based finishes; the particles will get trapped in the finish and rust.
  2. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
  3. Let dry completely before applying General Finishes Exterior 450.

New Stained Surface: Do not sand. Apply directly to stained surface. 

Sealed Surface

  1. Scuff clean with a non-woven abrasive pad & 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol & water. 
  2. Dry 1-2 hours
  3. Sand lightly with 220-320 grit sanding sponge. 
  4. Remove dust. 

Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Exterior 450 Topcoat

CAUTION: Do NOT use Exterior 450 or any other clear coat, over white or light paints such as GF Milk Paint, or GF White Poly as it may cause yellowing. Any clear coat can become reactive over wood substrates or existing finishes, causing tannin or dye bleed-though regardless of priming. All of GF's white paints are self sealing and do NOT require a topcoat. 

NOTE: Exterior 450 White is designed to let the water permeate the finish; as it dries, the water releases back out to allow the finish to tighten down again.  The UV additive in 450 Clear will protect the integrity of the finish, but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight.

NOTE: Exterior 450 Whiteis not intended for decks. It can be used on tabletops that do not receive direct exposure to sun and rain. As with all furniture finishes, wipe up spills in a timely manner to protect the finish.

General Finishes Exterior 450 White Application Steps

  1. Work in a well-ventilated area.
  2. Stir to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process. Do not shake. 
  3. Test for adhesion when applying over an existing finish. 
  4. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. 
  5. Increase open time, if needed, with 10-15% General Finishes Extender if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender will improve flow and leveling and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. California Residents: Adding more than 2% of GF Extender will make the products non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations. GF assumes no liability for the improper use of these products.    
  6. Apply 2-3 coats of Exterior 450. No more than three coats is recommended. More coats will not improve durability.
    • Hand application: Apply a liberal amount of product using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or roller. Avoid pressure and excessive back-brushing. Brush along the wood grain using smooth, even strokes with light lap marks. Let lap marks dry; they WILL tighten down.
    • Spray application: Before spraying, strain topcoat through a fine-mesh filter. Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.1mm-1.3mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with your equipment supplier. See our spray tip size recommendations here. Keep your gun at a 90° angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large, flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6-8" wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" wide to reduce overspray. Overlap each pass 25% to conceal lines. Wear a full filter respirator (NIOSH/MSHA approved) and work in a ventilated space. Visit this FAQ for more information on spraying techniques.
  7. Finish sand between coats with a 220-320 sanding sponge to improve smoothness and adhesion. Do not use steel wool.
  8. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth, or a water-dampened rag.
    WARNING: We do not recommend Exterior 450 White for exotic woods, ipe, teak or other dense, oily woods. 

    Warning: Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.

Dry Time

​​​​​​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. Rushing the dry time can cause "blush," which is clouding in the finish due to moisture trapped between the layers.

Increase dry time if: 

  • Humidity is over 80%
  • 3+ coats are applied
  • Thick coats are applied
  • To accelerate dry time in humid conditions, add General Finishes Accelerator and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness.

Ready for exterior use: Allow to dry 5 days before exposing to the exterior elements. 

Cure Time Before Use
Water-based finishes cure and harden for full use after 21 days in ideal conditions. Avoid placing heavy objects on surfaces that have not completely cured. Treat gently, and do not clean with commercial products during the curing period.

Cleanup of Water Based Products

Application tools and materials containing water-based products can be cleaned with soap and water or General Finishes Brush & Gun Cleaner immediately after use.

Product Spills

Spills may be able to be removed from fabric and carpet if cleaned immediately with soap and water.

Disposal

Discard unused product and waste in an environmentally safe manner; check with local fire and health regulation. 

Storage of Water Based Products

Life of Product

General Finishes products do not last forever, even when unopened. They are best used within 1 year. The life of the product may be extended with proper can closure and storage conditions. (see Storage Tips below).

Water-based products can last 3-5 years if the can is unopened, in good condition and stored in correct temperatures.

Product that is 3 years old will not look like product that is 6 months to 1 year old. You will see more stratification or separation as the product ages. Always stir thoroughly before using.

Foul Smell

If your product has a foul smell, it is contaminated and no longer in useable condition.

Clumps & Settling

Gravity can cause some solids to settle on the bottom of the can and slight separation on the top. This is normal. If working with older product stir with a paint mixing attachment on a drill.

If the solids dissolve and clumps smooth out after mixing from the bottom, the product is in good condition for use.

Inability to reincorporate large, chunky lumps after stirring for several minutes is an indication that the product has frozen and can no longer be used.

Storage Tips

See video tutorial: Tips on Storing Leftover Finishes
Water-based finishes crystalize and form a skin due to evaporation when the air-tight seal on a can is broken at first use. The following best practices will increase the life of your product:

  1. Pry open sealed lids with a paint can opener by hooking under the lid's rolled edge. The use of a screwdriver can disfigure the rim and lid, impairing a complete seal. 
  2. Keep lid closed while working. Pour what you will use into a bowl, paper cup, or plate, and close can lid as you work.
  3. Clean the chime of the can thoroughly with a paper towel before closing to create a complete seal. Product falling into the chime can be minimized by using a pouring lid, such as Fitsall. Avoid wiping used brushes on the lid.
  4. Pound the lid in place using a rubber mallet to avoid distorting the chime or lid. Dents in the lid from direct contact with a hammer can impair a complete seal. Alternatively, place a flat piece of wood over can lid and firmly pound shut.
  5. Store in moderate temperatures. Avoid temperatures below 50°F/10°C or above 100°F/26°C. Keep from freezing. Frozen and heat-damaged product cannot be revitalized. Temperature-controlled spaces, such as a basement, are ideal for storage. Do not store product in an attic, garage, in direct sunlight, or next to something warm like a water heater or furnace.
  6. Store can upside down to create a liquid seal, minimize evaporation and reduce the chance of crystallization. Decant remaining product from the can before stirring. 
  7. Decant leftovers to a smaller container when the finish is almost used up. Alternative storage containers for water-based products are plastic FIFO bottles or glass bottles. Do not fill metal-lidded containers completely to prevent them from rusting.

The following water-based product mixtures can be stored:

  1. Product thinned with up to 15% General Finishes Extender or General Finishes Accelerator can be stored, with the exception of thinned General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain.
  2. Mixtures involving colors & sheens within the same product line, such as:
    • High Performance Satin + High Performance Gloss
    • Snow White Milk Paint + Coastal Blue Milk Paint
    • Amber Dye Stain + Merlot Dye Stain

The following product mixtures should NOT be stored:

  • Any water based product with thinned tap water; water often contains bacteria that will adversely affect stored paint.
  • Topcoat + Stain or Paint
  • Milk Paint + Chalk Style Paint
  • Water Based Wood Stain + Dye Stain

Furniture Care & Maintenance

Cure First
Allow 21 days for the finish to cure before heavy use or cleaning with commercial products.

Regular Cleaning and Maintenance

  • Remove dust with a water-dampened cloth. Dust can build up over time and may scratch or dull finishes if not removed regularly. 
  • As with all furniture finishes, avoid using furniture polish, cleaners or dusting sprays that contain silicone, alcohol, ammonia and anything acidic. Future finishes or touch-ups may not adhere properly or perform as desired over a contaminated surface. Some contaminants, such as silicone, seep through finish into the wood and often cannot be removed.
  • Clean up water, alcohol and food spills in a timely manner and use placemats & coasters to protect the finish.

Warnings and Warranties

Exterior 450 Topcoat Warnings and Warranties

The UV additive in 450 Clear will protect the integrity of the finish, but will not prevent the wood from changing color from sunlight.

Compatibility 
Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.


Limited Warranty
General Finishes products must be tested to your complete satisfaction before using. General Finishes will not be responsible for color satisfaction, misapplication, nor compatibility with other manufacturer's products. General Finishes will be responsible only for the cost of our products, and not for costs such as labor, damage or project replacement.


Contamination and Compatibility
Our finishes are engineered as a system and are compatible with each other. General Finishes cannot guarantee an ideal refinish when applying our products on top of or combined with another company's products or over surfaces that have been in contact with waxes, polishes or sprays containing contaminants such as silicone. Test for adherence and aesthetics before beginning.


FIRST AID: Seek immediate medical attention if symptoms occur due to the following. Eye Contact: Remove any contact lenses. Flush eyes with water for 20+ minutes while lifting upper and lower eyelids. Skin Contact: Wash skin immediately upon contact. Remove contaminated shoes and clothing; clean and wash before re-use. Inhalation: Move to fresh air and loosen clothing. If not breathing, if breathing is irregular or if respiratory arrest occurs, provide artificial respiration or oxygen by trained personnel. Ingestion: Call physician immediately. Wash out mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting unless directed to do so by medical personnel. Never give anything by mouth to an unconscious person.


Prop 65 WARNING: This product can expose you to Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.


WARNING:

  • Flat: 
    WARNING HARMFUL IF SWALLOWED. CAUSES RESPIRATORY TRACT, EYE AND SKIN IRRITATION.
    Keep out of the reach of children. Use only with adequate ventilation. Do not swallow. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Avoid breathing vapor or mist. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
     
  • Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss:
    WARNING CAUSES EYE IRRITATION. CAUSES SKIN IRRITATION.
    Keep out of the reach of children. Do not get on skin or clothing. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Specifications

Basic Features
Product Colors Water White in can (dries clear)
Base Type Water
Ambering No
Sheen Flat (10 or less), Satin (25-35), Semi-Gloss (50-60), Gloss (80+)
Interior or Exterior Exterior
Tintable Yes
Type Urethane/Acrylic Blend
Application
Coats 2 - 3 coats
Application Method Brush, Roll, Spray
Brushable Yes
Usable over existing finishes Yes
Sprayable Yes
Spray Tip Sizes HVLP 1.1mm-1.3mm
Dry Time
Dry Time - Touch 30+ min.
Dry Time - Recoat 2+ hr
Dry Time - Light Use 7-10 days
Dry Time - Cure 21 days
Contents
Can Sizes Quarts, Gallons, 5 Gallon pails, 55 Gallon drums
Coverage 140-160 sq.ft./quart, 560-640 sq.ft./gallon
Technical Data
Viscosity Medium
Viscosity (cPs) 350-450
Solids by Weight and Volume Solids by Weight
Flat: 32%
Satin: 30%
Semi-Gloss: 30%
Gloss: 30%

Solids by Volume
Flat: 31%
Satin: 29%
Semi-Gloss: 29%
Gloss: 29%
VOC US VOC
Flat: <120.683 g/L
Satin: <121.991 g/L
Semi-Gloss: <123.009 g/L
Gloss: <114.394 g/L
Durability
Durability (Highest, High, Medium, Low) High
Hardness (Koenig #) 30
Wear (Taber #) 95.30 mg loss
Water (5 max) 5
Chemical (105 max) 92

Design Center

FAQs

*I Used Exterior 450 Over a Mix of Mineral Spirits & Trans Tint Dye Stain and the Finish is Peeling - How Do I Fix the Peeling?*

Most dyes, such as Trans Tint, can only be mixed with alcohol or water, not mineral spirits. A water-based finish, such as Exterior 450, cannot be used in conjunction with mineral spirits, even with an extended dry time. Solvents do not play well with water-based finishes.

Unfortunately, there is no fix for the peeling finish. You will have to sand the project down, apply an exterior stain and recoat with Exterior 450. Also, advise your customer that no finish will withstand the sun indefinitely. All exterior finishes need recoating and maintenance over time.

Related Categories


Should I use Pre-Stain Conditioner Before Staining a Douglas Fir Door to prevent blotching?

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.

Watch Exterior 450 Topcoat Overview Video Here

Watch Exterior 450 Stain Overview Video Here

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What are the renewable resources in General Finishes products?

General Finishes Renewable Resources Icon - Water Based Finishes

Renewable resources are a recent, eco-friendly advancement in the paint and coatings industry.

They are comprised of plant proteins such as corn; as well as conventional and innovative oils derived from plants such as Euphorbia lagascae, Vernonia galamensis from the sunflower family, and Calendula officinalis, aka marigold.

General Finishes products formulated with renewable resources meet the standard of excellence you have come to expect — including adhesion, coverage, color and durability — with all benefits of water finishes.

GF coatings made with Renewable Resources are: Enduro-Var II, Milk Paint, Water Based Wood Stain, Exterior 450 Stain and Wood Turner's Finish. Look for the green icon!

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What is toning finishes?

General Finishes Dye Stain

Toning is the process of adding colorant, either dye or pigmented stain into a top coat and then applying over an entire piece in order to subtly deepen the color. All of our stains can be used: Stock base colors of RTM, Water-Based Wood Stains or Dye stains. If you are new to toning, we recommend starting with Dyes stains, which can be easier to use as they only contain dyes and no pigments. 

All of General Finishes water-based topcoats with the exception of Conversion Vanish can be tinted to create lightly colored finishes for toning.  It is YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO TEST to your satisfaction before application to your entire project. 

There are limits anytime you add pigments or dyes to water-based topcoats. Toning should always be done in small increments to achieve the desired color. If you are starting with a light honey tone door and you want to create an Espresso color this will take multiple coats of color including base coat of stain followed by several toning coats. It is impossible to achieve a radical color change with just 1 coat of toner.

A good rule to follow when toning is starting with a minimal amount of stain or dye, 5-10% by volume. Some colors work better than others. Normally 1-2 ounces or stain per quart of clear topcoat is sufficient to create a toner. Always test color first and strain material through a fine mesh filter to remove any undissolved particle of pigment. Once you have achieved the desired color tone apply a clear topcoat to lock in the color. Toner made with water based wood stain should be used at point of use only. Do not store for extended periods of time. 

 

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Which Topcoat Should I Choose?

General Finishes offers a complete coatings system with a finish for every objective.

General Finishes Professional, Industrial, and OEM Water-Based Topcoats

  • Enduro Professional Tintable 2K Clear Poly
  • Enduro Professional Tintable 2K White Poly
  • Enduro Professional 2K Conversion Varnish
  • Enduro Professional 1K White Poly
  • Enduro Professional 1K Clear Poly
  • Enduro Professional Pre-Cat Lacquer

General Finishes Retail Water-Based Topcoats:

  • High Performance Topcoat
  • Flat Out Flat
  • Enduro-Var Topcoat
  • Exterior 450

General Finishes Exterior Water-Based Topcoats:

  • Enduro Professional Tintable 2K Clear Poly
  • Enduro Professional Tintable 2K White Poly
  • Enduro Professional 2K Conversion Varnish
  • Exterior 450

General Finishes Oil-Based Topcoats

  • Arm-R-Seal 
  • Gel Satin Topcoat
  • Wood Bowl Finish
  • Butcher Block Oil
  • Outdoor Oil

GENERAL PRACTICE:

  1. Oil-based topcoats and ENDURO-VAR will amber over time.
  2. All other water-based and High Performance top coats dry clear.
  3. Never use any water-based topcoat with long oils such as Danish, Tung or Linseed.
  4. Water-based top coats clean up with soap and water. Oil-based topcoats require mineral spirits for cleanup.
  5. If you use water-based topcoats over oil-based finishes, make sure that you wait 72 hours between the two products. It is essential to let the oil finish dry longer.
  6. For more complex projects with many details and corners or large surface areas such as cabinets, we recommend either ARM-R-SEAL liquid oil-based topcoats or water-based topcoats. Large surfaces such as cabinets or tables and complex projects with lots of detail are easier to cover with a liquid topcoat rather than a GEL SATIN topcoat.
  7. Enduro Professional Topcoats are thinner and intended to be sprayed
  8. HIGH PERFORMANCE can be brushed or sprayed. It can be thinned by adding 5-10% distilled water if needed. 

Compare all topcoats

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