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Gloss is the highest of Exterior 450's four sheens, rated 85+ on GF's scale, above Flat (10), Satin (30) and Semi-Gloss (55). Use it where you want high shine on an entry door, a garage door or outdoor furniture. The TDS lists its volume solids at 29%, the lowest of the four (Flat is 34%). GF's TDS lists coverage of up to 600 sq ft per gallon, a medium viscosity of 350 to 450 cPs, and spraying as the recommended application method.
Free shipping at $75, no code needed (lower 48 + DC). Unopened cans can be returned within 30 days with a prepaid label; opened paint can't (refund policy).
| Equipment | Setting |
|---|---|
| HVLP | 1.1 to 1.3 mm tip |
| Air-assisted airless | 600 psi pump, 20 psi assist air, .011 in tip |
| Airless, fine finish | .007 to .011 in tip |
| Film per coat | 3 to 5 mils wet; 2.5 to 5 mils dry total |
Thin with water, GF Extender or GF Accelerator. At 70 F and 50% humidity, coats are touch-dry in 30 minutes and recoatable after 2 hours; cure takes 21 days. Plan at least three coats with no separate sealer.
In a GF interview, chemist Ryan Denny says exterior resins are a balance of hardness, elongation and UV resistance, and that harder isn't better outside: he compares glass, which cracks when hit, with plexiglass, which flexes. Elongation lets the film move with temperature swings instead of cracking or delaminating. He also stresses that exterior finishes are water-resistant, not water-impervious, and that clears last longer on vertical surfaces such as garage doors, windows, exterior doors and furniture than on decks.
GF notes that every exterior-rated solid wood, composite, plywood, veneered panel and engineered substrate must be tested by the user for compatibility. For white surfaces the TDS points to GF Brushable White Enamel rather than this clear. VOC is under 123 g/L, and it meets SCAQMD, CARB, Canada and OTC Phase I and II rules. Don't pour leftovers down the drain.
Also in Gloss: Exterior 450 Gloss Quart. Softer sheen: Exterior 450 Satin Gallon.
What spray settings does GF list for Exterior 450? The TDS gives HVLP with a 1.1 to 1.3 mm tip, air-assisted airless at 600 psi with 20 psi assist air and a .011 in tip, or fine-finish airless with a .007 to .011 in tip. Brushing with synthetic bristle or foam and rolling with a short-nap or foam roller are listed as alternatives.
Will a gloss clear coat stop my wood from changing color outside? No. GF chemist Ryan Denny says a finish protects the integrity of the finish, not the color shift of the wood underneath. The UV absorbers keep the film from breaking down.
Can Exterior 450 be tinted? The TDS says yes, but not recommended.
Exterior 450 Gloss sources: the Exterior 450 technical data sheet, the GF Exterior 450 page and GF's interview on exterior vs interior finishes. Shop exterior stains and deck finishes.
Documents are published by General Finishes. Always follow the label and SDS.
Free standard shipping on orders $75+ to the lower 48 states and DC. Some large or heavy items are excluded at checkout.
30-day returns on unused, unopened items. Returns accepted within 30 days. We send you a prepaid return label. Contact us within 30 days of delivery to start a return. Opened paint, aerosols, flammables, special orders and sale items can't be returned. Read the full refund policy.
Use this product page for the exact item, then check the Weekend Project Carts for prep, applicators, patch, cleanup, and finishing supplies. If you are still choosing a method, start with the Project Guides before adding everything to cart.
