Glaze Effects Clear Base for Custom Glazes

Make your own custom glazes by mixing with GF water-based paints & stains, or use to dilute GF Glaze Effects colors. Glaze Effects Clear Base is the base used to make General Finishes Glaze Effects. Glaze Effects is a PFAS-free formula. As General Finishes strives for a cleaner and healthier environment, all future product development will be free of “Forever Chemicals." 

General Finishes Clear Base 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. 

  1. Work in a well-ventilated area. 
  2. Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
  3. Test color. To lighten, dilute with water based GF Glaze Effects Clear Base. 
  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 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. 
  7. Sand between coats with 220-320 grit foam sanding sponge. Do not use conventional steel wool. Remove dust.
  8. Seal with 3 coats of topcoat. 
  9. 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

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. 

Creative Techniques Using Clear Base

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

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

 

Custom Stain Colors:

MATERIALS NEEDED:

SAMPLE MIXES:

  1. 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.bBegin 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

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

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, Personal Protection & 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 manufacturers' 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. 

Warning
If you scrape, sand, or remove old paint, you may release lead dust. LEAD IS TOXIC. EXPOSURE TO LEAD DUST CAN CAUSE SERIOUS ILLNESS, SUCH AS BRAIN DAMAGE, ESPECIALLY IN CHILDREN. PREGNANT WOMEN SHOULD ALSO AVOID EXPOSURE. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator to control lead exposure. Clean up carefully with a HEPA vacuum and a wet mop. Before you start, find out how to protect yourself and your family by contacting the National Lead Information Hotline at 1-800-424-LEAD or log onto www.epa.gov/lead.

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. 

Warning
This product contains a chemical known to the State Of California to cause cancer and birth defects. Do not swallow; first aid: drink water to dilute product. May cause eye or skin irritation; first aid: flush eyes thoroughly with water.

Warning
Keep out of reach of children. Avoid contact with eyes. Keep container tightly closed when not in use. Wash thoroughly after handling.

PERSONAL PROTECTION DURING USE:

Hand protection
Chemical-resistant, impervious gloves complying with an approved standard should be worn when handling chemical products if a risk assessment indicates this is necessary. Considering the parameters specified by the glove manufacturer, check during use that the gloves still retain their protective properties. It should be noted that the time to breakthrough for any glove material may differ for different manufacturers. In the case of mixtures, consisting of several substances, the protection time of the gloves cannot be accurately estimated.

Eye protection: Safety eyewear complying with an approved standard should be used when a risk assessment indicates this is necessary to avoid exposure to liquid splashes, mists, gases, or dust. If contact is possible, the following protection should be worn unless the assessment indicates a higher degree of protection: safety glasses with side shields.

Respiratory protection:
Based on the hazard and potential for exposure, select a respirator that meets the appropriate standard or certification. Respirators must be used according to a respiratory protection program to ensure proper fitting, training, and other important use aspects.

Body protection Personal protective equipment for the body should be selected based on the amount and repetition of exposure. It should be approved by a specialist before handling this product.

Environmental exposure controls:
Emissions from ventilation or work process equipment should be checked to ensure they comply with the requirements of environmental protection legislation.

Appropriate engineering controls:
Good general ventilation should be sufficient to control worker exposure to airborne contaminants.

Hygiene measures: 
Wash hands, forearms, and face thoroughly after handling chemical products, before eating, smoking, and using the lavatory, and at the end of the working period. Appropriate techniques should be used to remove potentially contaminated clothing. Wash contaminated clothing before reusing. Ensure that eyewash stations and safety showers are close to the workstation location.
 

Other skin protection: Appropriate footwear and any additional skin protection measures should be selected based on the task being performed.

Specifications

Basic Features
Product Colors Clear
Base Type Water
Ambering No
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 1.8mm-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
295.605 g/L

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.

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*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:

  1. Applying a base layer of High Performance Top Coat before applying your custom glaze.
  2. 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.

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*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:

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

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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.

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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.

 

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