Top Coat User Guide

General Finishes Top Coat User Guide

Product Use Guide

General Finishes top coats are formulated to provide both professionals and DIY users with excellent results and ease of use. Before starting, review all product instructions and understand how waterborne finishes behave to achieve the best results. DO NOT use tack cloths or stearated sandpaper.

Finishing Area and Environment

Always work in a clean, well-ventilated area with stable temperatures. General Finishes top coats are self-leveling and dry quickly. Best results occur around 70°F with light air movement. Avoid temperatures below 60°F or above 90°F, as performance may be affected. Maintain a consistent temperature during curing. DO NOT store products below 60°F or allow them to freeze.

Wood Preparation

Proper sanding is critical for a quality finish. Recommended sanding range is 220–320 grit (up to 400+ for finer finishes). Finer sanding helps reduce grain raising.

CAUTION: Avoid coated or stearated sandpapers, as they may leave residue and cause adhesion issues such as fisheye (small craters). Also, avoid steel wool and tack rags, which may contain oils or silicones. Ensure surfaces are clean, dry, and free of contaminants before finishing.

Both the wood and finish should be at room temperature before application.

Preparation of Top Coats

Stir thoroughly before use. DO NOT SHAKE. Strain if needed using a paper or nylon filter. Most General Finishes top coats can be sprayed or applied directly from the container. If using additives, mix thoroughly to ensure proper performance.

Use Over Other Finishes

General Finishes top coats can be applied over properly cured stains, paints, and existing finishes such as lacquer, varnish, or shellac. Ensure the surface is clean and fully cured before applying. Test adhesion when working over unknown or previously finished surfaces.

Application

Apply using a brush, pad, or spray system such as HVLP. Apply thin, even coats—avoid heavy applications. A typical film thickness is about 2 mils per coat.

Common mistake: applying too thick a coat. Thin coats produce better results and reduce defects.

Sand lightly between coats with 320–400 grit as needed. Remove dust with a clean, damp cloth before recoating.

Spray Application

HVLP systems typically perform best with a 1.0–1.3mm tip. Conventional systems may require 40–45 PSI. Adjust settings as needed and always test before full application.

Equipment Considerations

Waterborne finishes can react with certain metals. Use spray equipment with stainless steel or Teflon-coated components when possible. Clean all equipment thoroughly after use and do not leave material in the system overnight.

Number of Coats

Typically, 3–4 coats provide a durable finish. For thicker builds, allow additional drying time between coats to ensure proper curing.

Re-Coating

Under normal conditions, surfaces are ready to recoat in 45–60 minutes. Avoid recoating too soon, as this may cause defects such as orange peel or extended cure times. Cooler or humid conditions will increase drying time.

Clean-Up

Clean tools and spray equipment with warm water immediately after use. A dried finish may require soaking with an appropriate cleaner or solvent. Follow all safety and local regulations when using solvents.