Exterior 450 Water-Based Wood Stain

GF's Exterior 450 Stains are low VOC premium quality, exterior pigmented water-based wood stains designed for outdoor projects with vertical surfaces such as garage doors, entrance doors and furniture. Can be applied to wood, MDF, and fiberglass and are also made with more than 50% RENEWABLE RESOURCES formulated from sustainable materials that decrease the carbon footprint. These stains are not recommended for large horizontal surfaces such as decks. Exterior 450 Stains contain U.V. absorbers to protect the finish and mildewcides to slow mold and mildew growth, but will not prevent the wood from changing color in sunlight. Brush or spray. See our spray tip size recommendations here.  
4 Reasons to Switch to Water-Based Finishes

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation of Raw Wood for Water Based Stain

Before applying stain, all raw wood projects require preparation sanding, and all existing finishes require prep cleaning and sanding. If you skip this critical step, your finish may fail.

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

  1. Sand open-grain wood (e.g., oak, ash, mahogany, parawood) with 120-grit sandpaper, followed by 150-grit, then 180-grit.
  2. Sand closed-grain wood (e.g., cherry, pine, maple, birch, alder) with 150-grit sandpaper followed by 220-grit.
  3. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.
  4. Do not over-sand with fine-grit sandpapers; this will close and seal the wood grain, preventing ideal color absorption.
  5. Do NOT use steel wool with water-based finishes; the particles will get trapped in the finish and rust.

Prep Sanding for Existing Finish

  1. Remove any existing finish by sanding with 120-grit-sandpaper & scuffing with a wire brush if needed. 
  2. Remove dust with a vacuum, compressed air, an oil-free tack cloth or a water-dampened rag.

Reducing Grain Raise on Raw Wood
To reduce grain raise, dampen the wood with water after prep sanding. Let dry completely, then lightly sand with fine-grade (220-320) foam sanding pad.

Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Exterior 450 Stain

General Finishes Exterior 450 Water Based Wood Stain Application Steps

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

Join General Finishes University Facebook Group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/generalfinishesuniversity for customer support and learning opportunities for GF products. This group is a great resource for guidance regarding choosing the right product, mastering finishing techniques, troubleshooting, or sharing your finished projects.

Download 2024 Exterior 450 Stain Brochure Here

  1. Watch 450 Exterior Stain overview video here.
  2. Work in a well-ventilated area
  3. Stir stain thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
  4. Test your complete finishing process before starting. Stain color is affected by variances in wood and deepened by the application of topcoat. To lighten, dilute with water-based GF Exterior 450 Natural Base. 
  5. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. 
  6. 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.    
  7. Divide your project into manageable sections: top, side, drawer, door, table seam.
  8. Hand-Application Over Raw Wood:
    • Working quickly, apply a LIBERAL amount of stain to ensure easy workability using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or microfiber roller with smooth, even strokes. Stain one section at a time. If not enough stain is used, the surface may dry too quickly, causing an uneven appearance. On large projects, leave wet edge between sections to prevent lap lines between sections.
    • Wipe off the excess evenly with the grain using a cloth or quality paper towel. Check for missed spots and lap marks before moving to the next section. Do NOT use cotton t-shirts to wipe away stain because they will "push" the stain around and not absorb it.
    • Immediately correct lap marks by rewetting the entire working area with stain and wiping off the excess.
    • Pull excess stain out of corners and detail with a synthetic bristle brush.
    • Let the stain dry 2+ hours when applying 1 coat in ideal conditions, 70°F/20°C, 50% humidity. Increase dry time if:
      • Humidity is over 80%
      • A second coat is applied
      • Thick coats are applied
        • To accelerate drying in humid conditions add General Finishes Accelerator to Exterior 450 Stain before applying and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness. 
  9. Spray Application over raw wood: 
    • 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. Wear a full filter respirator (NIOSH/MSHA-approved) and, if spraying in an interior space, make sure there is good ventilation. 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 50% for even coverage. Wipe back the excess with an absorbent cloth. Read here for more information on spraying techniques.
    • Let the stain dry 2+ hours in ideal conditions (50-70% humidity, 70*F). Increase dry time if:
      • Humidity is over 80%
      • Additional coats are applied
      • Thick coats are applied
        • To accelerate drying in humid conditions add General Finishes Accelerator to Exterior 450 Stain before applying and work in a space with good ventilation and air movement. If you decide to re-coat before the recommended time, test dryness. 
  10. Optional: apply a second coat to deepen the color. Apply no more than 2 coats.
  11. Finish with 3 coats of General Finishes Exterior 450 Topcoat.

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

Step 3: Topcoat Over Exterior 450 Stain

Always seal General Finishes Exterior 450 Stain with 3 coats exterior-rated topcoat. We recommend General Finishes Exterior 450 Topcoat, which is formulated to be compatible with Exterior 450 Stain.

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

Exterior 450 Topcoat is designed to allow water permeate the finish and, as it dries, the water releases back out to allow the finish to tighten down again. 

Horizontal surfaces and uncured surfaces with sitting water may cloud or blush temporarily as the finish dries. Once fully cured, any blushing that occurs should be minimal.

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. Settling is natural. 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

Warnings and Warranties

Exterior 450 Stain Warnings and Warranties


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 thoroughly after handling. 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:

  • Black Walnut, Butternut, Cedar, Chestnut, Olde Cherry, Red Mahogany:
    This product can expose you to chemicals including Carbon black, respirable powder, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 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.
     
  • Coffee Bean: 
    This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylene oxide, 4-Methylpentan-2-one, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Carbon black, respirable powder, Crystalline silica, respirable powder, Acetaldehyde, 1,4-Dioxane, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and N-methyl- 2-pyrrolidone, Ethanediol, which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
     
  • Natural Base, Sugar Maple:
    This product can expose you to N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone, 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: Keep out of reach of children. Do not swallow. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.
 

Specifications

Basic Features
Product Colors Aged Gray, Black Walnut, Butternut, Cedar, Chestnut, Coffee Bean, Mesquite, Natural Base, Red Mahogany, Stormy Gray
Base Type Water
Interior or Exterior Exterior only
Type Exterior Water Based Stain
Application
Coats 1+ coats
Application Method Brush, Roll, Spray
Brushable Yes
Usable over existing finishes Yes
Sprayable Yes
Spray Tip Sizes HVLP 1.1mm-1.3mm
Topcoat Required Yes
Dry Time
Dry Time - Touch 30+ min.
Dry Time - Recoat 2+ hr
Contents
Can Sizes Quarts, Gallons
Coverage 140-160 sq.ft./quart, 560-640 sq.ft./gallon
Technical Data
Viscosity Medium
Weight Solids 21%
VOC US VOC
Aged Gray: <180 g/L
Black Walnut: <72.444 g/L
Butternut: <82.127 g/L
Cedar: <96.650 g/L
Chestnut: <79.923 g/L
Coffee Bean: <74.473 g/L
Mesquite: <165 g/L
Natural Base: <54.480 g/L
Olde Cherry: <71.165 g/L
Red Mahogany: <76.372 g/L
Stormy Gray: <149 g/L
Sugar Maple: <92.709 g/L

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 Pro Series Clear Poly
  • Enduro Professional Pro Series White Poly
  • Enduro Professional Pre-Cat Lacquer

General Finishes Retail Water-Based Topcoats:

  • High Performance Topcoat
  • Flat Out Flat Topcoat
  • Enduro-Var II Topcoat
  • Exterior 450 Topcoat
  • Wood Turners Finish

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 Topcoat
  • Exterior 450 White

General Finishes Oil-Based Topcoats

  • Arm-R-Seal 
  • Seal-A-Cell
  • Gel Satin Topcoat
  • Wood Bowl Finish
  • Butcher Block Oil
  • Outdoor Oil
  • Hard Wax Oil 

GENERAL PRACTICE:

  1. Oil-based topcoats and ENDURO-VAR II 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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