General Finishes Exterior 450 Clear Flat Gallon

Regular price $92.99
Free shipping on $75+
30-day returns on unopened items

General Finishes Exterior 450 Flat, 1 Gallon

Flat is the lowest of the four Exterior 450 sheens (10 or less), for the least shine you can get from this clear outdoor topcoat. The gallon is sized for larger vertical work: entry doors, garage doors, fences, and patio or porch furniture. GF does not recommend Exterior 450 as a deck finish.

Buy one can, no case minimum. Free shipping at $75, no code needed (lower 48 + DC). Unused, unopened items can be returned within 30 days of receiving them, and we send a prepaid return label; opened paint, aerosols and flammable liquids can't be returned. See our shipping policy and refund policy.

Gallon math

GF rates the gallon at 560-640 sq ft per coat. GF recommends 2-3 coats and no more than three, because more coats do not add durability. Three coats from one gallon cover about 185-210 sq ft; two coats cover about 280-320 sq ft.

Flat-specific details

  • Solids: 32% by weight, 31% by volume, slightly higher than the other sheens
  • VOC: under 125 g/L
  • Label: WARNING, harmful if swallowed; causes respiratory tract, eye and skin irritation. Use only with good ventilation.

Applying a flat exterior coat

  1. Sand raw wood with 120 grit, then 150 or 220. Over a fresh stain, apply directly without sanding.
  2. Stir; don't shake. Brush, roll, or spray with HVLP at 1.1-1.3 mm.
  3. Recoat after 2+ hours at 70 F and 50% humidity, scuffing with a 220-320 sponge. No steel wool.
  4. Wait 5 days before exposing it to weather. Full cure takes 21 days.

GF's built-in UV absorbers protect the film itself but won't stop wood from changing color in sunlight, and mildewcides slow mold growth. Don't use it with linseed or Danish oils. GF puts typical life at 3-5 years, depending on exposure. TDS · Flat SDS

Questions

When is the gallon better than the quart? General Finishes rates a quart at 140-160 sq ft per coat and a gallon at 560-640 sq ft. At 3 coats, that works out to about 45-55 sq ft from a quart and about 185-210 sq ft from a gallon.

Can I use it over white or light paint? No. GF warns any clear coat may yellow over white or light paints. GF's white paints are self-sealing and don't need a topcoat.

How soon can the project go back outside? GF says to let it dry 5 days before exposure to the elements. It keeps hardening for about 21 days.

Smaller job? Exterior 450 Flat Quart. More sheen: Satin Gallon. Browse protective finishes and topcoats.

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.

  • Type Topcoat/Clear
  • Vendor General Finishes
  • SKU 196-621

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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.

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