Wood Stains (Water Based)

General Finishes stains make beautiful glazes. Just add 10% General Finishes High Performance Topcoat.

Thin GF water based stains with distilled water if desired. Start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. 
Increase open time, if needed with up to 5% 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.

GF Enduro RTM stains are a thinner formula designed for professional spray applications.

Water Based Stains will always exhibit a bit of bleed through. When glazing with any color over water stains, we recommend some type of seal coat is applied first.

Unfortunately, the two colors you have chosen do not work very well together. Expresso will always bleed if Whitewash is applied directly over top. In the future, seal the Espresso stain with a coat of Shellac, and then General Finishes High Performance Topcoat. Allow both to dry, then apply Whitewash as a glaze (1 part stain, 1 part topcoat mix).

Here are two remedies we recommend to fix for bleeding that has occurred:

1. Strip away finish and start over. 
   Stain with Espresso, top with Shellac, and then with 1-2 coats High Performance. After the HIgh Performance has dried, apply the Whitewash as a glaze (1:1 stain & HPTC). Seal with High Performance.
2. Paint over the bleeding stain. 
   Seal current finish with Shellac and then paint with Seagull Gray Milk Paint.

Any time you apply a light stain over a dark stain there is a possibility of bleed through. Therefore, it's important to seal off the base color first. 
If the look of the wood grain is not important, Dark Chocolate Milk Paint is an exact match to Java Gel Stain when painted, and it could be used as an alternative base color.

Maple is one of the most difficult woods to achieve a dark, uniform stain color on because it is a dense, closed grain wood and often absorbs stain very unevenly. General Finishes Gel Stains or Water Based Stains usually will perform very well because they are more topical than traditional liquid oil stains, and contain more colorants. 

We do not recommend pre-sealing Maple with a conditioner because it closes up the grain of the wood even more, further preventing color adherence. In the future, just use our water-based stains or gel stains on their own. Do not use liquid oil-based stains on Maple because they will blotch.

Also, prep sand Maple with 120 grit, followed by 150 grit or 220 grit. 

No, you cannot. The stain will not absorb due to the high moisture content of green wood and not accept the stain.

General Finishes water-based products can be sprayed through compressed air, HVLP, airless or C.A.S. units.

DOWNLOAD SPRAY TIP CHART PDF 

SURFACE PREPARATION:

All surfaces should be clean and free from dirt and oil and sanded.

Indicated below are instructional videos we have for preparing a surface for a new coat of paint or finish:

• Prep sand raw wood.
• Prep sand an existing finish.
• Power prep an existing high-use finish such as kitchen cabinets.

SPRAY APPLICATION OF GENERAL FINISHES WATER-BASED FINISHES:

All General Finishes water-based topcoats and wood stains are ready to spray from the container without additives with the exception of Conversion Varnish. Always strain material through a medium to fine mesh filter before spraying. If necessary, in hot or dry climates, reduce 10 to 15% with General Finishes Extender to extend the open time.

PRE SEALING:

Softwoods such as Pine absorb stain at an uneven rate and may respond better to staining if the wood is pre-sealed. General Finishes Pre-Stain Conditioner Natural can be applied to raw wood to condition the surface for uniform penetration of the stain. Pre-sealing will cause the final stain to be lighter so you may need to use a darker color. Always test your color on a hidden part of the furniture. Allow the Pre-Stain Conditioner to dry 30 minutes before applying your final stain color.

If you are using a sprayer that has been used for oil-based or lacquers, clean the unit thoroughly with acetone followed with hot water to purge the fluid passage. Apply a thin coat first that will dry and harden faster. Sand this first coat down to a smooth base on which to build your finish coats with a 220-320 grade foam sanding pad or #400-grit sandpaper. It is better to spray 2 thin coats rather than 1 heavy coat.

Contact your supplier to verify proper tip sizes for your specific equipment. GF's general recommended fluid tips for Wood Stains and Top Coats are Compressed air - .040 and Airless - .009.

DOWNLOAD SPRAY TIP CHART PDF

This PDF lists general guidelines for several different types of sprayers with specific General Finishes product recommendations for HVLP listed below.

RECOMMENDED TIPS FOR GENERAL FINISHES PRODUCTS USING HVLP:

• Milk Paint: 1.8mm-2.0mm
• Brushable White Enamel 1.8mm-2.0mm
• Stain Blocker: 1.8mm-2.0mm
• Pearl Effects: 1.8mm-2.0mm
• Glaze Effects: 1.8mm-2.0mm
• High-Performance Topcoat: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Flat Out Flat Top Coat: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Enduro-Var 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Water-Based Wood Stain: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Water-Based Dye Stain: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Exterior 450 Topcoat:1.1mm-1.3mm
• Exterior 450 Stain: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Enduro Sanding Sealer: 1.3-1.4mm
• Enduro White Poly: 1.3mm-1.5mm
• Enduro Black Poly: 1.3mm-1.5mm
• Enduro White Under Coat 1.5mm-1.8mm
• Enduro Clear Poly: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Enduro Pre Cat Lacquer: 1.1mm-1.3mm
• Enduro Conversion Varnish: 1.1mm-1.3mm

Air caps should be medium size. Contact your supplier to verify proper tip sizes for your specific equipment.

Break your work into sections such as dresser top or drawer fronts. Spraying too large of an area can result in a textured grainy surface. A correctly sprayed finish should appear even and glossy. It is important to spray enough material to allow proper flow and leveling of the finish.

Spray medium wet films at 3-5 wet ml thickness. Practice makes perfect. If you have never sprayed finishes before, take a large piece of cardboard and practice your technique first. Spray water on the cardboard to learn how the gun works. Check your fluid settings and adjust the controls to get comfortable with the spray angles and to develop your technique.

SPRAYING TOPCOATS:

Keep your gun at a 90* angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6 to 8 wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" to reduce overspray. For topcoats, overlap each pass 25% to conceal lines.

Watch our video how to spray water-based topcoats here.

SPRAYING WATER BASED WOOD STAINS:

Keep your gun at a 90* angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6 to 8 wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" to reduce overspray. Overlap each pass of stain 50% for even coverage and wipe back the excess with an absorbent cloth. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" to reduce overspray.

SPRAYING WATER BASED DYE STAINS:

Keep your gun at a 90* angle, 6-8" from the surface. On large flat areas, use wet, even patterns 6 to 8 wide. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" to reduce overspray. Overlap each pass of stain 50% for even coverage. If coverage is even, there is no need to wipe. If you have issues with uneven coverage, wipe back the excess with an absorbent cloth. For narrow surfaces, reduce the fan pattern to 2-3" to reduce overspray.

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

Watch Exterior 450 Topcoat product overview video

Watch Exterior 450 Stain product overview video

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!

General Finishes offers water, oil, and maintenance finishes that meet the needs of homeowners, woodworkers, and DIY’ers. Comprehensive videos are available for each product on YouTube, plus dynamic comparison charts at GeneralFinishes.com/COMPARE.

All General Finishes water-based finishes are:

• VOC compliant in all 50 states
• Water cleanup 
• Low odor
• Non-flammable

INTERIOR PRIMERS

Water Based Stain Blocker is:

• An epoxy acrylic formulation.
• Prevents tannin bleed-through & discoloration.
• Has high build with excellent adhesion properties.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

WATER-BASED TOPCOATS & PIGMENTED FINISHES

High Performance Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An Interior polyurethane/acrylic blend.
• Clear drying.
• highly resistant to water and household chemicals.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Flat Out Flat Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An interior acrylic formulation.
• Clear drying.
• provides an extremely flat finish with high durability.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Enduro-Var II Water-Based Topcoat is:

• An interior oil-modified water-based urethane.
• Dries to a light, amber tone.
• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Milk Paint is:

• A premium interior and exterior-rated acrylic formulation.
• Self-sealing and does not require topcoat.
• Is made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Is available in 12 popular colors, plus two tint bases.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

Water-Based Glaze Effects is:

• An interior oxidating acrylic formula.
• Available in 6 colors, including a Clear Base.
• Is a decorative specialty finish.
• Can be intermixed to create custom colors.
• It requires a topcoat
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer

Pro Image Water-Based Flooring Topcoat is:

• An interior polyurethane.
• Clear drying.
• Levels to a smooth, hard, durable finish.
• Provides excellent slip and black heel mark resistance.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or pad applicator.

INTERIOR WATER-BASED STAINS

Water-Based Wood Stain is:

• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• It’s available in 18 deep brilliant colors.
• And provides universal coverage on many wood species.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Pre-Stain Conditioner is:

• Used to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods.
• And to reduce Water Based Wood Stains.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Dye Stain is:

• A penetrating stain with ink-like consistency.
• It is available in 14 vibrant colors.
• And can be used as a toner.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer or wiping on.

Water-Based Dye Stain Reducer is:

• The clear base used to reduce Dye Stain colors.

WATER & OIL EXTERIOR FINISHES

Exterior 450 Clear Water-Based Topcoat is:

• A polyurethane formulation.
• Tintable to dark colors.
• Contains UV absorbers & Mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Clear drying.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

 450 White Water-Based Topcoat is: 

• A pigmented polyurethane formulation.
• Is tintable to light and pastel colors.
• Contains UV absorbers & mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or sprayer.

Exterior 450 Water-Based Stain is:

• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Available in 10 colors, including a clear base.
• Contains U.V. absorbers & mildewcides to protect the finish.
• Apply with a brush or sprayer.

Water-Based Milk Paint is:

• A premium Interior and exterior-rated acrylic formulation.
• Self-sealing and does not require topcoat.
• Made with over 50% renewable resources.
• Available in 12 popular colors, plus two tint bases.
• Apply with a brush, roller or sprayer.

Outdoor Oil is:

• A penetrating oil wood preservative.
• Contains UV absorbers and mildewcides to protect the finish.
• This finish will amber as it ages.
• A maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a brush, roller or sprayer.

INTERIOR OIL STAINS & AMBERING TOPCOATS

Gel Satin Oil-Based Topcoat is:

• A heavy-bodied, no-drip oil and urethane formula.
• Designed to provide a hand-rubbed look.
• Will amber as it ages.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Gel Oil-Based Stain is:

• A heavy-bodied, no-drip formula.
• Available in 14 deep, rich, uniform colors.
• Apply with a brush, roller, or wipe on.

 Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat is:

• A penetrating sealer with a high-quality urethane formulation.
• It provides long-lasting, durable protection.
• and works beautifully on projects with detail.
• This finish will amber as it ages
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Liquid Oil-Based Wood Stain is:

• a traditional, pigmented liquid wiping stain
• Available in 14 colors
• Can be used as a toner with Arm-R-Seal
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Oil-Based Pre-Stain Conditioner is:

• Designed to control blotching on hard-to-stain woods.
• And penetrates the grain to promote uniform acceptance of oil stains.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Oil-Based Seal-A-Cell Clear is:

• Formulated with a blend of oils, urethanes, and wax.
• Is GF’s deepest penetrating close-to-the-wood sealer.
• And the best choice for highlighting figured wood.
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

Hard Wax Oil is:

• A urethane-solids polymer in a blend of oil & wax.
• Enhances the natural look of wood.
• One of our easiest finishes to use.
• It’s best used with optional GF Hardener to shorten dry time and provide superior durability.
• This is a maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a white pad or plastic spreader.

 Oil Based Wood Bowl Finish is:

• A pure urethane formulation.
• Highlights figured wood beautifully
• Apply with a brush or wipe on.

INTERIOR MAINTENANCE PRODUCTS

Butcher Block Oil is:

• A mineral oil formulation.
• Meets all requirements for use on wooden surfaces that come in contact with food.
• This is a maintenance product. Reapply when wear becomes evident.
• Apply with a cloth.

Orange Oil is:

• A routine cleaner for cured wood finishes
• Non-combustible with a fresh orange scent
• Apply with a cloth

Satin Finishing Wax is:

• A blend of waxes.
• Produces a soft sheen and feel over any wood finish.
• Can be used as a polish for rubbing out new finishes OR as a scratch-remover.
• Apply with a cloth.

No matter what your project is, General Finishes has the right product for you. General Finishes is dedicated to using the highest-quality ingredients in all our products, while testing and advancing our water-based finishes with leading-edge technology.

Learn more about GF’s products at Generalfinishes.com. 

General Finishes: We make tomorrow's finishes today.