America's Leading Manufacturer of Innovative Water-Based Wood Finishes

Glaze Effects: Water Based

Glaze Effects are translucent water-based colors used to create beautiful decorative finishes such as marbling, shabby chic, burnishing and color washing. Use over Water Based Wood Stains, and Milk Paints. Glaze Effects can be intermixed to create custom colors. They may also be layered over one another to create deeper, richer looks.

Need some inspiration? Visit the General Finishes Design Center OR Pinterest Board for Glaze Effects ideas.

Download 2024 Retailer All Products Catalog here

Find A Store Compare Similar Products

General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Water Based Glaze Effects, Quart

Instructions

Step 1: Preparation

RAW WOOD: Not recommended. Apply over a SEALED surface such as GF Milk Paint or topcoat.

NEWLY SEALED: Does not require prep cleaning. Sand lightly with 220-320 grit foam sanding sponge and remove dust.

EXISTING SEALED SURFACE: Scuff clean with a Scotch-Brite™ pad or maroon synthetic steel wool & 50/50 mix of denatured alcohol and water. Dry 1-2 hours. Sand lightly with 220-320 grit foam sanding sponge. Remove dust. Watch our video How to Prep and Existing Finish

Step 2: How To Apply General Finishes Glaze Effects

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 Glaze Effects Brochure Here

General Finishes Glaze Effects Application Steps

For less color & more control of depth and placement of glaze color, apply Glaze Effects over 1 coat of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat, any sheen. For a deeper color, apply directly over stain or paint. Test for adhesion over existing finishes before completing the project.

Work in a well-ventilated area.
Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
Test color. To lighten, dilute with water based GF Glaze Effects Clear Base.
Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume.
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.
Apply 1+ coats:
- Hand application: Apply a liberal coat using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator or microfiber roller with smooth, even strokes. Wipe off excess with a cloth, high-quality absorbent paper towel or dry bristle brush. Do not use t-shirts.
- Spray application: Strain with a medium-mesh filter. Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.3mm-2.0mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with equipment supplier. See our general guide for spray tip sizes. Wear NIOSH-approved respiratory & eye protection. Read here for more information on spraying techniques. Wipe off excess with a cloth, high-quality absorbent paper towel or dry bristle brush. Do not use t-shirts.
Sand between coats with 220-320 grit foam sanding sponge. Do not use conventional steel wool. Remove dust.
Seal with 3 coats of topcoat.
Dry 3+ hours between coats and before GF water based topcoat in ideal conditions: 70°F/21°C; 50% humidity. Dry times may vary based on additive and mix-concentration used. Cooler temperatures & higher humidity may prolong dry time. Dry 24+ hours before applying GF oil-based products. Increase dry time if:
- Humidity is over 80%
- A thick coat is applied
- 3+ coats are applied (not recommended)
- Applying over an existing sealed finish
- Applying over products from other brands
- Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
  - Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
  - Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products

Cure Time
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.

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

Step 3: Topcoat over Glaze Effects

ALWAYS seal General Finishes Glaze Effects with 3 coats of clear topcoat, e.g. General Finishes High Performance Topcoat. Apply a total of 3+ coats of topcoat altogether. If 1 coat of topcoat is applied before Glaze Effects, add at least 2 more coats over the glaze to seal in the color.

Topcoat Recommendations

Low- to High-Wear Surfaces: High Performance Topcoat (brush or spray), General Finishes Enduro Clear Poly (spray only)
Low- to Medium-Wear Surfaces: General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat (brush or spray)

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:

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.
Keep lid closed while working. Pour what you will use into a bowl, paper cup, or plate, and close can lid as you work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:

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.
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

Creative Techniques Using Glaze Effects

Creating Custom Colors

You can design your own custom glazes, stains, washes and varnishes with General Finishes intermixable water-based products **Do not mix Glaze Effects with Water Based Stain (including water based pre-stain natural).

For the mixes listed below, General Finishes recommends the following two steps:

Applying a base layer of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat before applying your custom glaze.
Protect all of these finishes with 2-3 coats of topcoat when you are finished.

Pastel Glaze/Whitewash:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

General Finishes Milk Paint: Your choice of colors
General Finishes Glaze Effects: Winter White

SAMPLE MIX:

Milk Paint + Winter White Glaze Effect

Experiment with proportions and colors. Do not add more than 50% paint to the glaze, or else there will be so much pigment it will be difficult to wipe away the finish.

Custom Glaze:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

General Finishes Glaze Effects: Your choice of colors

SAMPLE MIX:

Pitch Black Glaze Effects + Winter White Glaze Effects.

Experiment with proportions and colors.

Custom Stain Colors:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

General Finishes Milk Paint: Your choice of color
General Finishes Glaze Effects: Clear Base

SAMPLE MIX:

1 part Milk Paint + 1 part Glaze Effects Clear Base [50:50 mix]

Proportions are relative to the color you are reducing. Some colors may require 2 parts Clear Base to reduce strength, others may require 1.

Begin with a 50:50 mix, and add more Clear Base as needed.

Increase your color palette by mixing 2 or 3 Milk Paint colors together before adding the Clear Base.

Milk Paint & Glaze Effects Samples

Furniture Care and Maintenance

Cure First

You have just finished applying a fine furniture finish. Treat gently until the paint or topcoat have fully cured. Allow 21 days for a water-based finish to cure and 30 days for an oil-based finish to cure before cleaning.

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.
Remove fingerprints, cooking fumes and smoking residue with mild soap and water. These contaminants will not harm the finish, but they accumulate on surfaces and dull the original luster.
As with all fine furniture finishes, avoid using furniture polish, cleaners or dusting sprays that contain silicone, alcohol, ammonia and anything acidic. Exception: We have successfully cleaned with Clorox wipes for occasional cleanups.
Clean up water, alcohol and food spills in a timely manner and use placemats & coasters to protect the finish.
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.
Avoid excessive exposure to direct sunlight, high temperatures or high humidity. These can damage furniture and finishes.

Warnings and Warranties

Glaze Effects 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:

Burnt Umber:
This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including 1,4-Dioxane, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, 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.
Pitch Black:
This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including 1,4-Dioxane, Carbon black, respirable powder, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, 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.
Van Dyke Brown:
This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including 1,4-Dioxane, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, 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.
Winter White:
This product can expose you to Ethylene oxide, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including 1,4-Dioxane, Titanium dioxide, which are known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Ethanediol, 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.

CAUTION: MAY CAUSE EYE IRRITATION.
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.

Colors

Glaze Effects Colors

Specifications

Basic Features
Product Colors	Van Dyke Brown, Pitch Black, Winter White, Burnt Umber, Smokey Gray
Base Type	Water
Interior or Exterior	Interior
Type	Glaze
Application
Coats	1+ coats
Application Method	Brush, Spray
Brushable	Yes
Usable over existing finishes	Yes
Sprayable	Yes
Spray Tip Sizes	HVLP 1.3mm-2.0mm
Topcoat Required	Yes
Dry Time
Dry Time - Touch	1+ hr
Dry Time - Recoat	3+ hr
Contents
Can Sizes	Pints, Quarts, Gallons
Coverage	60-80 sq.ft./pint, 120-160 sq.ft./quart, 480-640 sq.ft./gallon
Technical Data
Viscosity	Medium
Weight Solids	22%
VOC	US VOC Burnt Umber: <293.554 g/L Pitch Black: <303.733 g/L Smokey Gray: <268.553 g/L Van Dyke Brown: <274.496 g/L Winter White: <273.767 g/L

Design Center

Easy Cabinet Makeover

A little glaze makes a big difference! Christy at Stone Painting Co. & The Shanty Shop is using Van Dyke Brown Glaze and High Performance Topcoat to add depth and bring out the detail on these cabinets! Christy says, "I can't say enough about the ease of your products. I am adding General Finishes High Performance Satin Top Coat as a base, accenting the doors using Van Dyke Brown Glaze, applying darker in the groves to add depth. Finishing with another application of High Performance Satin...

Luggage Chest of Drawers

Susan Davis of Meme's Ewenique Boutique restyle this chest of drawers with General Finishes Black Pepper and Bayberry Green Chalk Style Paints as well as Sunglow and Snow White Milk Paints. It was aslo accented with GF Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects. So creative! **General Finishes Chalk Style Paint has been discontinued. Replace Black Pepper with Lamp Black Milk Paint and Bayberry with a custom mix of 3:1 Basil Milk Paint , Harvest Yellow Milk Paint

Chippy Green Buffet

2016 Design Challenge Entry - Pro Upcycled Furniture "This beautifully layered buffet was accomplished by using only General Finishes products. I created the base coat by mixing the farmhouse green color that consists of GF Milk Paint in Basil, Dark Chocolate, Emerald, and Linen. I then dry brushed on some Buttermilk Yellow. The last coat of paint was a 50/50 mixture of the farmouse green and Antique White. I used the vaseline method of distressing to achieve the chippy look and many...

Divine Vintage Desk in Java and Antique White

Chrissie of Chrissie's Collection has been hard at work! She gave new life to this divine vintage desk using Antique White Milk Paint and Java Gel Stain, with the details accented with Van Dyke Brown Glaze. Chrissie says, "You can find the General Finishes paint products in all 3 of our locations. More information on our website at www.chrissiscollection.com." Check it out and order your own products!

Metallic Masterpiece in Milk Paint and Pearl Effects

Past Thymes Market refinished this metallic masterpiece using General Finishes Queenstown Gray Milk Paint topped with a custom mix of Dark Chocolate Milk Paint and Burnished Pearl Effects. A custom glaze was created by combining Lamp Black Milk Paint with Clear Glaze Base. The entire project was sealed with High Performance Top coat.

Madame Blueberry

"We've found our Valentine - we call her Madame Blueberry. Her style is transcendent and can easily blend with just about any look depending on what she's adorned in. She's a real gem! "We painted this chest in General Finishes Queenstown Gray Milk Paint with High Performance Satin Topcoat and the Winter White Glaze Effects. We also added layers of Bronze and Burnished Pearl Effects on the trim and drawer pulls to give the details a bit more spotlight!" - Reblessed, LLC

Linen, Java, and Van Dyke Brown Vanity

Anchors away! Loving this masculine bathroom vanity by Fish River Furnishings! Restyled with Linen Milk Paint, Java Gel Stain, and Van Dyke Brown Glaze, with gorgeous hand-painted details. Fish River Furnishings will be opening a new, larger location on Highway 59 in Robertsdale, AL in June. How exciting!

Shelf in Java Gel Stain and Driftwood Milk Paint

The Shabby Mommy refinished this lovely shelf using General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint with Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects and Java Gel Stain on the inside!

New Pine Pantry Door

Thia is a 32x80 pantry door co structured from clear alder. Stained with a General Finishes New Pine Gel Stain, simply to take out some of the red. Then I clear coated the entire thing then worked some black antiquing glaze, also from my friends at General Finsihes over the entire door.

Breakroom Barrels

This 26 1/2 foot long project was installed in the breakroom of a global spirits manufacturer. 75 year old retired barrels were broken down and the pieces were pressure washed to prepare them for finishing. Two coats of GF Clear Poly in Satin covered the backs of the barrel staves and three coats on the front brought 75 years’ worth of life and history back out of the tired old pieces. The full pieces were basket weaved and the small segments of staves were cobblestone pieced like a...

Driftwood Dresser Glazed with Winter White

"This marble top dresser was purchased back in January, but I haven't had a chance to work on it yet. It has lovely original features, but it was really orange! I used General Finishes "Driftwood" Milk Paint to take it in a more neutral direction, and gave it a lovely white washed effect using Winter White Glaze Effects." - Eight Hundred Furniture, LLC. Visit Eight Hundred Furniture at Morgantown Market located at 2940 Main Street Morgantown, PA to purchase GF products.

Custom Gray/Green Washstand

Custom Mix of equal parts Driftwood+Basil Read blog for all the details.

Get The Look: Seagull Gray hand-distressed with Winter White Glaze

Gray Blended Vanity

"This paint is so versatile. General Finishes Milk Paint is my go to for a beautiful smooth clean finish. Now it’s my go to for blended, faded and weathered finishes too. Both the Cotton Stem canvas and vanity were created with General Finishes paint and sealers and a bit of Saltwash additive. The base coat is a blended mix of GF Driftwood, Linen, Halcyon Blue and yellow. When painting the Cotton Stems I added SaltWash to my paint to create some texture. I glazed the entire piece with GF...

Copper Pearl Effects Chair

Absolutely stunning chair in GF Copper Pearl Effects and Pitch Black Glaze Effects by ReLoved by Maja Komasa!

Beautiful Hutch in Persian Blue & Van Dyke Brown

"This beautiful hutch got a new coat with General Finishes Persian Blue Milk Paint and Van Dyke Brown glazing. Sealed and protected with HTPC Satin. She's the perfect touch of class and beauty to bring a little color into your home." - Blu Soul Design

Winter White Glazed Natural Dresser and Nightstands

These pieces were stripped to the natural finish sealed and glazed with General Finishes Winter White Glaze Effects!"

Emerald Dresser

Birds of a Feather went bold with GF Emerald Milk Paint and Pitch Black Glaze Effects!

Dresser in Emerald and Lime Green Milk Paints

Sheila from Frugal Decor & More (http://on.fb.me/1rfnrWu) refinished this custom chest using General Finishes Emerald Green, Lime Green and Linen Milk Paints. Then GF's Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects was applied on top of the Milk Paint, and GF's Java Gel Stain was used to the top of the piece. Lastly, High Performance Topcoat was used to seal the entire piece. We love seeing the transformation! #GeneralFinishes #MilkPaint #GlazeEffects...

Antique American Flag Farmhouse Table

Antique American Flag Farmhouse Table

Winter White Glazed Coastal Blue Buffet

"This piece turned out beautifully in General Finishes Coastal Blue! When in doubt-navy! Finished with Winter White glaze/white wash. Top sanded and stained in Antique Walnut. Original hardware done in a matte nickel." - Kimberly Designed

Bold and Gold Buffet

Another one of Grandpa’s pieces that no one wanted. (Insert sad face.) He had started the process and just needed some help to get this beauty back to her glory. She was in pieces, with the mirror and doors detached, and just hoping everything was there. It was! Multiple layers of rich color make this antique beauty come to life! A base coat of GF Lamp Black peaks out from under two layers of GF Somerset Gold, showing off each curve and carved details on the drawers and doors of...

Distressed Persian Blue Server Table

Loving this server table in GF Persian Blue Milk Paint, Winter White Glaze Effects and High Performance Topcoat by Candice Nicole - Antique Revival! Head over to Candice's blog post here: https://antiquerevivalblog.wordpress.com/2017/02/17/stunning-general-fin... and watch a video of the project! Candice says, " I have tried so many of the different milk paints and...

Dining Table in Gray Gel Stain and Snow White Milk Paint Topped with Pitch Black Glaze Effects

Airdrie Furniture Revival refinished this stylish plank top coffee table using General Finishes Gray Gel Stain, Snow White Milk Paint and Pitch Black Glaze Effects. We love this look!

Persian Blue Farmhouse Secretary

This vintage secretary desk was in rough shape when we rescued her. She was brought back to life with a major cleaning, sanding, and more cleaning and more sanding. She boasts a combination finish using General Finishes Milk Paint in Persian Blue, and General Finishes Gel Stain in Gray. She is sealed up for protection using General Finishes HPTC in Satin. New Hardware graces her exterior drawers, and a fresh glass panel has been inlaid to her cabinet door. Interior panels and shelves have...

Brick Red Pedestal Table

This eye catching table was refinished by Made New Design_ of Middletown, CT. The base was painted with GF Brick Red Milk Paint and accented with Pitch Black Glaze Effects. The top was stained with the one and only Java Gel Stain. Great color combo!

Vanity in Drfitwood Milk Paint and Glaze Effects

This Glamorous gray vanity was refinished by Kristin of Dressers and Jujubes using General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint topped with a mix of Van Dyke Brown and Pitch Black Glaze, sealed with High Performance Top Coat in Satin.

15 Drawer Card Catalog in Antique White Milk Paint

Farmtastic Creations finished up this fantastic 15 drawer card catalog last night! "It is painted in General Finishes Antique White Milk Paint, distressed and glazed with General Finishes Pitch Black Glaze Effects. We also mounted it to a vintage Singer treadle base." This is great! #GeneralFinishes #MilkPaint #GlazeEffects

Custom Gray Chest of Drawers

"I stripped the top, which is laminate, and gave it an extra heavy sand with 80 grit sandpaper. Usually 220 is sufficient but this was extra slick. The paint was adhering well to the body so I gave it a really good sand and gave the entire piece three coats of primer, checked for adhesion issues and everything was sticking. The paint color is a custom light, warm gray. I used General Finishes Snow White and Antique White in equal parts (1 cup each) and added a little Perfect Gray (1/8 cup)...

Persian Blue with Pitch Black Glaze Tables

Donna Mellors gave these nesting tables a full GF makeover. They were painted with Persian Blue Milk Paint, glazed with Pitch Black Glaze Effects and sealed with our High Performance Top Coat in satin. Looks great! Donna says, "May I just say, your milk paint was a delight to paint with, a little goes a very long way."

Lamp Black "Card Catalog"

"Three Drawer Card Catalog Chest. A full redesign. Solid knotty pine reimagined into a faux 12 drawer card catalog inspired style. It's new base and legs give this piece stature and style. It's 3 drawers were all hand trimmed out to appear as 12. 24 pieces of all black hardware keep the look simple. The yellow pine top was stripped, sanded and then bleached multiple times to remove the gold tones and stay on trend with a natural wood finish. Finished in General Finishes Lamp Black Milk Paint...

Coffee Table in Antique White & Glazing

"Brighten your space with this creamy off-white coffee table with a custom tan layered top! The body has been painted in General Finishes Antique White Milk Paint and the top is a custom mix of Annie Sloan Coco, Old Ochre, with General Finishes Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects and High Performance Topcoat for durability." - Twig & Thyme Design

Glazed Antique White Bed Frame

"This beautiful full size bed was painted in General Finishes Antique White Milk paint. Antiqued by using General Finishes Van Dyke brown glaze & sealed with their Flat Out Flat." Find your favorite GF products at Rockler, Wood Essence, Klingspor, Amazon, or Lee Valley in Canada. NOTE: Woodcraft stores carry all of GF’s retail and professional line EXCEPT Chalk Style Paint. You can also use your zip code to find a retailer near you at ...

Winter White Glazed Coffee Table

"I’m loving my Winter White Glaze Effects! Our coffee table has seen better days, but we didn’t want to replace it. The glaze hid all of the imperfections and enchanted the details. Love the products!!" Tasha Roe

Halcyon Blue and Coral Crush Layered Armoire

Karie of Lush•Paint Designs took inspiration from this GF Get the Look found on our Design Center. This beauty is layered in General Finishes Coral Crush, Halycon Blue, Burnt Umber Glaze Effects, & sealed with High Performance Topcoat.

Distressed and Glazed Driftwood Dresser

"I spruced up this dresser with General Finishes Driftwood Milk Paint, Winter White and Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects, and GFHP Flat Top Coat, and some light distressing." - Green Spruce Designs

Seagull Gray and Pitch Black Glaze Effects Dresser

"These are my favorite kind of makeovers! A formerly dark, dated & oversized bedroom set now has a fresh, modern look! We added a few extra moldings & hardware, then painted in this gorgeous Seagull Grey color by General Finishes! Popped those details with a bit of Pitch Black Glaze then finished the project with High Performance Top Coat for enhanced durability! Fresh handles now offer a whole new look!" - Captiva Home - Furniture Painting

Gray Glazed Console Table

"This console table has been completely transformed! The top was stained using a blend of General Finishes Java and Gray Gel Stain, while the bottom was painted in Driftwood(Milk Paint) and then dry brushed using Winter White and brown glaze to create this beautiful finish." - Nap Time Creations

Java and Teal Chalk Paint Vanity

"This gorgeous piece was brought back to life with a custom chalk paint blend and GF's Java Gel Stain and Van Dyke Brown Glaze. The entire piece was finished off with HPTC in flat." - The Goodie Girl Shoppe Check out all of GF's Chalk Style Paint colors here: https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/water-based-milk-...

Snow White Glazed Vanity

"We decided to go with the shabby chic look on this piece using General Finishes Snow White Milk Paint and Pitch black glaze. It is definitely a statement piece!!! - Painted Paradise, by Duke Interiors and Restoration

Open Shelf Refinished in Antique White Glaze Effects and Gel Stain

Julia from restored + restyled refinished this hutch using GF's Antique White Milk Paint and Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects! The shelf was rebuilt and stained with a combination of GF's Java and Antique Walnut Gel Stains, and the whole piece was sealed in GF's High Performance Poly! "Love the end result!" -Julia #GeneralFinishes #MilkPaint #GlazeEffects #GelStain

Lovely Pink and White Antique Vanity

"This may just be one of my all-time favorite pieces. This is an antique vanity that's in awesome shape! Really well built and just as cute as can be." -Drabs 2 Fabs We love it too!! This beautiful dresser was refinished using General Finishes Snow White Milk Paint, a little pink was added to the drawers and GF's Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects was applied to create an antique effect! You can find your favorite GF products at Woodcraft, Rockler Woodworking stores or Wood Essence in Canada. You...

Glazed Persian Blue Dresser

"General Finishes Persian Blue Milk Paint with Van Dyke Brown Glaze Effects. What a transformation!" - Gracefully Modern

Canvas Art Work with GF Milk Paint and Glazes

"Wow, not only is General Finishes paint fabulous on furniture but it paints like a dream on canvases. I thought I would share with you some of the paintings I have done with the left over paint! Your Milk Paint has the most beautiful properties for painting on canvas and suits my painting style perfectly! I wish I had known about it when I was at art school. Love being a stockist of the best paint ever! ~ Love from one of your Scottish stockists, Miss Pauley's" If you're in Scotland...

Glazed Dresser

"This gorgeous client owned piece was updated using General Finishes Seagull Gray Milk Paint and glazed with Argentine Pearl and Pitch Black Glaze Effects. Gorgeous!! ❤️" - Painted Paradise, by Duke Interiors and Restoration

Cornflower Blue Dresser

This beautiful dresser was painted with several products from ...

Persian Blue Dresser

I was drawn to this dresser because of the combination of drawers and doors. It was covered in layers of sloppily applied paint and I originally just planned to refresh the paint. However, as I was prepping and lightly sanding, I noticed these vertical lines on the drawer fronts coming through the paint. After sanding the drawers more heavily, the wood panels were revealed and my vision began to take shape. I started with a couple of fresh coats of Persian Blue Milk paint. I followed that...

Klein Blue & Pitch Black Glaze Bedroom Set

"Starting this year off with my new favorite color, GF Klein Blue Milk Paint. Mixed a glaze up using GF Pitch Black Glaze and Black Pearl by WO. Topped off, of course, with High Performance Topcoat in satin! Love your products as always." - Dannielle from Distress me, Distress me not LLC Learn more about GF Glaze in this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jifX-ZCHDI

Indian Inlay Global Chic

I loved the lines of this petite china cabinet but almost didn’t buy it. It was missing a glass panel and shelves and had a couple other things wrong with it. But my friend made me a good deal and challenged me to “make something cool”. Never one to shy away from a challenge, I loaded it in my car. It lingered in my studio for a long time before I knew what to do with it. Taking my cue from the architecture of the piece I decided an Indian inlay look was the way to go. Playing off the...

Summertime Blue Chalk Style Paint

Loving this cool blue transformation by Lindsey Vogel Design LLC! Lindsey says, "For this makeover I used General Finishes Chalk Style paint in Chalk White and Summertime Blue with a light coat of Van Dyke Brown Glaze on the drawer fronts and sides. I began with 1 coat of white, then added 2 coats of blue and distressed back a bit before coming back & painting the edging details in white." **GF Chalk Style Paint is discontinued. Replace Summertime Blue with a custom mix of 8:1...

Radiant Holiday Red Dresser

"Glazed. Red. Perfection Buddha and dresser..." We couldn't have said it better ourselves! What a stunning setup by Carlos at Arroyave Studio_. He shares, "This one has all GF products! Holiday Red, Van Dyke Brown Glaze and HP top coat... Take a look at our gallery! And thank you, we love GF!"

Industrial Style Lamp Black Piece

"A vintage Dixie Furniture Campaigner Chest has been fully re-imagined and redesigned into a stunning industrial style piece. The entire base was carefully cut and removed and modified for new iron legs. Custom wood top added and finished in on trend natural light finish. Custom iron shelving unit constructed and three custom shelves built to match top. The original chrome hardware has been updated to matte black. Finished in General Finishes Lamp Black. Drawer fronts have been given a...

Videos

How To Glaze Furniture

How to Apply Glaze Effects Over Stain

FAQs

Glaze Effects FAQs

*Does Glaze Effects Require Topcoat?

Absolutely. All stains and glazes require a sealant. Think of the stain or glaze as the color and the topcoat as protection.

Related Categories

Glaze Effects

Can Glaze Effects be sealed with wax instead of top coat?

Yes, you can use Satin Wax instead of top coat if you prefer. Although GF loves the look of wax, we recommend using top coat because wax is not as durable. Wax requires annual maintenance and it must be removed if you want to apply topcoat in the future.

Related Categories

*How Can I Create a Custom Glaze, Wash, Varnish or Stain?

You can design your own custom glazes, stains, washes, and varnishes with General Finishes intermixable water-based products. **Do not mix General Finishes Glaze Effects with General Finishes Water Based Stain (including Pre-Stain Natural) See tips and recipes below.

For all of the following mixes, GF recommends the following two steps:

Applying a base layer of High Performance Top Coat before applying your custom glaze.
Protect all of these finishes with 2-3 coats of top coat when you are finished.

PASTEL GLAZE/WHITEWASH:

Milk Paint + Winter White Glaze Effects OR Milk Paint + Water Based Whitewash Wood Stain

NOTE: Do not add more than 50% paint. If you add more than 50% you will have so much pigment that it will be difficult to wipe away the finish. **Do not mix Glaze Effects with Water Based Wood Stain.

CUSTOM GLAZE:

For example, Pitch Black Glaze Effects + Winter White Glaze Effects

Experiment with proportions and colors.

WOOD STAIN AS A GLAZE:

Water Based Wood Stain + 10% High Performance Top Coat
OR
Oil Based Wood Stain + 10% Mineral Spirits

Note: Make sure that you wait 72 hours before applying a water-based topcoat on top of an oil-based stain.

AGED/VARNISH GLAZE:

Water Based Wood Stain + High Performance Top Coat 50:50 ratio
OR
Dye Stain + High Performance Top Coat 50:50 ratio

CUSTOM STAIN COLORS:

1 part Milk Paint + 1 part Pre-Stain Natural [50:50 mix]
OR
1 part Milk Paint + 1 part Glaze Effects - Clear Base [50:50 mix]
OR
1 part Milk Paint + 2 parts Water Based Stain Natural [1:2 parts]

Note: Proportions are relative to the color you are reducing. Some colors may require 2 parts clear base to reduce strength, others may require 1. Begin with a 50:50 mix, and add more clear base if necessary.

You can further increase the color palette by mixing 2 or 3 Milk Paint colors together before adding the clear base.

Related Categories

*How Can I Tint or Mix Your Black Glaze to Make a Custom Gray Color?

There are three ways:

Mix with small amount of General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White.
Add a small amount of General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in White.
Professional users could add General Finishes Enduro Pigmented White Poly.

Related Categories

*Can I Create a Glaze with General Finishes Water Based Stains?

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

Related Categories

waxing

*Does Glaze Effects Require Topcoat?

Absolutely. All stains and glazes require a sealant. Think of the stain or glaze as the color and the topcoat as protection.

Related Categories

Glaze Effects

*How Can I Create a Custom Glaze, Wash, Varnish or Stain?

You can design your own custom glazes, stains, washes, and varnishes with General Finishes intermixable water-based products. **Do not mix General Finishes Glaze Effects with General Finishes Water Based Stain (including Pre-Stain Natural) See tips and recipes below.

For all of the following mixes, GF recommends the following two steps:

Applying a base layer of High Performance Top Coat before applying your custom glaze.
Protect all of these finishes with 2-3 coats of top coat when you are finished.

PASTEL GLAZE/WHITEWASH:

Milk Paint + Winter White Glaze Effects OR Milk Paint + Water Based Whitewash Wood Stain

NOTE: Do not add more than 50% paint. If you add more than 50% you will have so much pigment that it will be difficult to wipe away the finish. **Do not mix Glaze Effects with Water Based Wood Stain.

CUSTOM GLAZE:

For example, Pitch Black Glaze Effects + Winter White Glaze Effects

Experiment with proportions and colors.

WOOD STAIN AS A GLAZE:

Water Based Wood Stain + 10% High Performance Top Coat
OR
Oil Based Wood Stain + 10% Mineral Spirits

Note: Make sure that you wait 72 hours before applying a water-based topcoat on top of an oil-based stain.

AGED/VARNISH GLAZE:

Water Based Wood Stain + High Performance Top Coat 50:50 ratio
OR
Dye Stain + High Performance Top Coat 50:50 ratio

CUSTOM STAIN COLORS:

1 part Milk Paint + 1 part Pre-Stain Natural [50:50 mix]
OR
1 part Milk Paint + 1 part Glaze Effects - Clear Base [50:50 mix]
OR
1 part Milk Paint + 2 parts Water Based Stain Natural [1:2 parts]

Note: Proportions are relative to the color you are reducing. Some colors may require 2 parts clear base to reduce strength, others may require 1. Begin with a 50:50 mix, and add more clear base if necessary.

You can further increase the color palette by mixing 2 or 3 Milk Paint colors together before adding the clear base.

Related Categories

*How Can I Tint or Mix Your Black Glaze to Make a Custom Gray Color?

There are three ways:

Mix with small amount of General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White.
Add a small amount of General Finishes Water Based Wood Stain in White.
Professional users could add General Finishes Enduro Pigmented White Poly.

Related Categories

*Is Topcoat Required Between Gel Stain and Water Based Glaze Effects?

Yes - this is not a good place to take shortcuts. GF Gel Stain gets its deep rich hue from a large number of colorants. Seal the stain with a topcoat before applying glaze to prevent "color pull."

The glaze will also glide more easily over the surface after topcoat is applied, allowing you greater control of how much color you want to use. Be sure to wait 72 hours when applying water-based finishes over oil-based finishes.

Here is a sample finish schedule:

Prep sand and clean
Apply stain
Apply a layer of topcoat to prevent color bleed thru and make glazing easier
Apply Glaze Effects
Apply 2-3 coats of topcoat to protect the entire project

Related Categories

Can Glaze Effects be sealed with wax instead of top coat?

Yes, you can use Satin Wax instead of top coat if you prefer. Although GF loves the look of wax, we recommend using top coat because wax is not as durable. Wax requires annual maintenance and it must be removed if you want to apply topcoat in the future.

Related Categories

What Finishes & Coatings does General Finishes Offer for Retailers, Homeowners and DIY??

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.

Related Categories

Visit Our Design Center!

General Finishes Design Center

Check out our product comparison tool!

Product comparison image