General Finishes High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 Gallon, Satin

I had a small job of 3 barstools that were wood stained but I wanted them dark and all the same color. The Fired Earth paint looked great but I needed to seal not only to be sure the paint wouldn't rub off, but to give it more of a 'slick' surface to slide on and off the stools. I didn't need an entire quart for that and have plenty left over but there will be other jobs.I stirred the sealer well. I used a paintbrush to apply. I was a little worried at first because some reviews made me think this would be a little more difficult than it actually was, but I'm confident now to do other projects.I used this over an exterior paint because I like the color but this was not oil-based paint. I put on two coats of paint and let that dry a couple of days, then I used this sealer.I took the stools outside to be sure there was ventilation though this doesn't have a strong smell. It was easy to apply. Very runny and watery (I have the water-based formula), which helped me to apply it easily, but it is drippy so make sure you put something underneath or around to protect other surfaces. I worked rather quickly since the humidity is very low here this time of year. If you don't work somewhat quickly, it begins to dry out a little and becomes a little 'tacky.'I did two coats -- I let the first coat dry about 3 hours, then I lightly sanded, very lightly, with one of those sanding 'sponges' (they look like sponges but are very light sanders), wiped off the dust residue, and then applied the second coat, which I let dry about 4 hours before I brought my stools back in the house. I don't notice any odor in my house from the stain.They look beautiful! Satin is just enough that they aren't highly glossed but have a slight sheen. I am very happy with out they turned out. I'd love to try the matte on some rocking chairs I painted last year.The only thing that irritated me is days after I ordered my quart, the price went down $5--this is how it goes on Amazon, so nothing to do about that, but it still made me irritated. Other than that, I'm happy.

Amateur woodworker, have applied a variety of finishes over the years - varnish, shellac, poly’s, oils, etc. Have never written about any of them because, well, they do what you expect. This product however, the GF water-based satin finish “top coat”, is worthy of a few sentences. Applies very easily, just make sure to stir it - not shake it in the can - prior to use as its a milky looking concoction that tends to separate a bit. Plastic spoons work great. Goes on all too easily. Brush, foam, rag, whatever - it levels itself out better than just about anything I can remember using. Dries in an hour for next coats (as desired), which is great. The finish on, say, hard maple with just a couple of coats is sublime. Just gorgeous. A very slight sheen, invisible at some angles, and silky smooth, looks like it came out of a factory. If you need a high gloss shine then of course this isn’t for you. But for certain furniture, gun stocks, items where you want the grain to be the star of the show, this stuff is absolutely perfect. Five stars.

Great product and easy to use !!

A for the product, F for the shipping.

This is a notably good water-based polyurethane finish. I was introduced to this by a neighbor who asked me to spray (HVLP) their new cabinet doors. I was impressed with how well it flowed and leveled out, and as a long-time user of oil-based poly, the other advantages of water-based poly: virtually no smell, remarkably easy to clean, fast dry/sand/recoat. So I got this for myself and have used it to finish trim, shelves, and plywood that we installed on our garage walls. I've applied it by brush, roller, and spray, and all of these work great for their appropriate applications. Compared to water-based polyurethanes from other manufacturers that I've used, this one is clearly superior. It covers better, leaves a nicer finish, has a good flow, and levels exceptionally well.This is more expensive than some others, but I think a better value. It's very easy to work with, builds well, and the finish seems to be more durable than similar products (although I have not subjected it to difficult conditions). And my orders have arrived _well packed_ and quickly.