{"title":"General Finishes Seal-A-Cell Oil-Based Sealer","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"collection-intro\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral Finishes Seal-A-Cell is an oil-based blend of oils, urethanes and wax that soaks into raw interior wood for a close-to-the-wood, natural look. General Finishes rates it for cabinets, trim, doors and furniture, and says the oils highlight figured grain while the urethane adds durability. It ambers over time. Use it alone, as a base coat under \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes-arm-r-seal\"\u003eArm-R-Seal\u003c\/a\u003e, or as a conditioner to control how oil-based stains take. Everything on this page comes from General Finishes' product page and technical data sheet (March 2020) plus the Seal-A-Cell Clear safety data sheet. Free shipping at $35+ (lower 48 + DC); under $35 ships for $5.99.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSizes we carry\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSize\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCoverage (General Finishes)\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eProduct\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\u003c\/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePint\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e50–60 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-oil-based-seal-a-cell-clear-pint\"\u003eSeal-A-Cell Clear, Pint\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eQuart\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100–125 sq ft\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-seal-a-cell-oil-based-sealer-clear-quart\"\u003eSeal-A-Cell Clear, Quart\u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGeneral Finishes also lists gallons; we do not carry the gallon size today.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecs from General Finishes\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eType\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil, urethane and wax blend (penetrating sealer)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSheen\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGloss (80+)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterior \/ exterior\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterior only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAmbering\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eYes; dries amber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCoats\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1–2 coats recommended; for more protection follow with 2–3 coats of Arm-R-Seal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApplication\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWipe or brush (natural bristle or foam); wipe off excess with the grain\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDry time (ideal 70°F \/ 50% humidity)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTouch 12+ hours; recoat 24+ hours over raw or stained wood; 72+ hours over an existing sealed finish; cure 30 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCleanup\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMineral spirits or waterless hand cleaner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eThinning\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eVOC\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e565 g\/L (TDS); SDS lists \u0026lt;565 g\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot for\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-finished wood or non-wood substrates (TDS)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/tbody\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eHow to use it (General Finishes directions)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePrep sand raw wood (open grain to 180 grit; closed grain to 220 grit). Do not sand finer than 220. Remove dust.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir well. Apply a liberal coat with a brush, pad or cloth, then wipe off the excess evenly with the grain.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAs a wood conditioner on cherry, poplar or pine: apply one coat, wipe off, then apply General Finishes oil-based stain right away over the wet Seal-A-Cell. Expect the stain color about 20% lighter.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor a high-use top (table, desk): General Finishes recommends a Seal-A-Cell base coat to pop the grain, then 2 coats of Arm-R-Seal for durability. Let Seal-A-Cell dry completely before the next coat.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWater-based products over oil: wait 72+ hours. Oil over water: wait 24+ hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDispose of oil-soaked rags and brushes in a sealed, water-filled metal container; they can catch fire if left in a pile.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eShop related: \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes-arm-r-seal\"\u003eGeneral Finishes Arm-R-Seal\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes-oil-based-wood-stain\"\u003eGeneral Finishes oil-based wood stain\u003c\/a\u003e, \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes\"\u003eall General Finishes\u003c\/a\u003e, and \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/protective-finishes-topcoats\"\u003eprotective finishes and topcoats\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs Seal-A-Cell a stain or a topcoat?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eIt is a penetrating oil-based sealer. General Finishes says it can stand alone for a natural look, work as a base coat under Arm-R-Seal or Gel Topcoat, or act as a conditioner under oil-based stains.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eSeal-A-Cell or Arm-R-Seal?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eSeal-A-Cell pops grain with a modified linseed oil blend and stays close to the wood. Arm-R-Seal has more urethane and is the more durable wipe-on topcoat for high-use surfaces. Many projects use Seal-A-Cell first, then Arm-R-Seal on top.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eHow much will a pint or quart cover?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eGeneral Finishes lists about 50–60 sq ft per pint and 100–125 sq ft per quart (roughly 400–500 sq ft per gallon on the product page).\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I put a water-based topcoat over it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eYes, after it dries fully. General Finishes says to wait 72+ hours before applying a water-based product over an oil-based one.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eIs it for outdoor wood?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eNo. General Finishes lists Seal-A-Cell for interior use only. For exterior projects see Exterior 450 (off-season for many shoppers) or other exterior lines.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cdetails\u003e\u003csummary\u003eCan I return it?\u003c\/summary\u003e\u003cp\u003eFlammable liquids like this oil-based sealer can't be returned under our refund policy, so check the size before you order. If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:Store@projectweekenddiy.com\"\u003eStore@projectweekenddiy.com\u003c\/a\u003e with photos and we will make it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003c\/details\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003csmall\u003eSources: General Finishes Seal-A-Cell product page (generalfinishes.com\/wood-finishes-retail\/oil-based-wood-stains-sealers\/oil-based-seal-cell-clear, read Nov 6, 2026); Technical Data Sheet Seal-A-Cell (published March 2020); SDS Oil Based Sealer Seal-A-Cell Clear (Danger: Flammable liquid Category 3, UN1263; SDS VOC \u0026lt;565 g\/L).\u003c\/small\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n","products":[{"product_id":"general-finishes-oil-based-seal-a-cell-clear-pint","title":"General Finishes Oil-Based Seal-A-Cell Clear Pint","description":"\u003cp\u003eOne pint of General Finishes Seal-A-Cell Clear can play three roles on raw interior wood: a finish on its own, a base coat under Arm-R-Seal, or a conditioner before oil-based stain. It is a wipe-on blend of oils, urethane and a little wax. The oils soak in and bring out grain and figure; the urethane adds durability. GF notes it ambers over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e$5.99 shipping, free at $35+, no code needed (lower 48 + DC). Flammable liquids such as this oil-based sealer can't be returned (\u003ca href=\"\/policies\/refund-policy\"\u003erefund policy\u003c\/a\u003e). If it arrives damaged, defective or wrong, email \u003ca href=\"mailto:Store@projectweekenddiy.com\"\u003eStore@projectweekenddiy.com\u003c\/a\u003e with photos and we will make it right.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eThree ways to use it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eRole\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eHow General Finishes describes it\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eStand-alone finish\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 to 2 coats, wiped on and wiped off\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eBase coat\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne coat to pop the grain, then 2 coats of \u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-arm-r-seal-wipe-on-topcoat-satin-pint\"\u003eArm-R-Seal\u003c\/a\u003e for tabletops and other high-use surfaces\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePre-stain conditioner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOne coat, excess wiped off, then oil-based stain applied over the wet sealer on cherry, poplar or pine\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eWorking with it\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand open-grain wood 120, 150, then 180 grit; closed-grain wood 150, then 220. GF advises against going finer than 220.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVacuum or tack off the dust and stir in any settled solids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply generously along the grain with a natural bristle or foam brush, pad or cotton cloth, then wipe off the excess with light pressure. It is not made for spraying, and thinning is not recommended.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDry times at 70 F, 50% humidity: touch 12+ hours, recoat 24+ hours, light use in 7 to 10 days, full cure in 30 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGloss sheen (80+); VOC under 565 g\/L; clean up with mineral spirits.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOil-soaked rags and brushes can catch fire on their own. Put them in a sealed, water-filled metal container right away. Bigger project? It also comes in a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-seal-a-cell-oil-based-sealer-clear-quart\"\u003equart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eManufacturer part number: SSPT\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch3\u003eQuestions\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan I use it as a conditioner before stain?\u003c\/strong\u003e Yes. General Finishes says it controls stain penetration and blotching on cherry, poplar and pine. Apply one coat, wipe off the excess, then apply GF oil-based stain right away over the wet Seal-A-Cell. Expect the stain color to be about 20% lighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow much will a pint cover?\u003c\/strong\u003e General Finishes lists 50 to 60 sq ft per pint.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan a water-based topcoat go over it?\u003c\/strong\u003e General Finishes says to let oil-based products dry 72+ hours before applying a water-based product over them.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSource: \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9750\/0726\/files\/generalfinishes-tds-2020-03-seal-a-cell.pdf?v=1791748625\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"\u003eSeal-A-Cell technical data sheet\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"General Finishes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53594997948726,"sku":"196-758","price":25.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9750\/0726\/files\/606016104048_1_1024.jpg?v=1769057123"},{"product_id":"general-finishes-seal-a-cell-oil-based-sealer-clear-quart","title":"General Finishes Seal-A-Cell Oil-Based Sealer, Clear, Quart","description":"\u003cp\u003eGeneral Finishes Seal-A-Cell Clear is an oil-based blend of oils, urethane and a small amount of wax that you wipe on. The oils soak into raw wood to bring out the grain and figure, giving a close-to-the-wood look, and the urethane adds durability. GF makes it as a base coat under \u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-arm-r-seal-wipe-on-topcoat-satin-pint\"\u003eArm-R-Seal\u003c\/a\u003e, but it can also be the only finish, a pre-stain conditioner on blotchy woods, or a clear base to lighten GF oil-based stains. It ambers over time. This is the quart can.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eSpecs\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eType\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOil-based penetrating sealer: oil, urethane and wax blend\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eUse\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eInterior only; raw wood such as cabinets, trim, doors and furniture\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eSheen\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGloss (80+); dries amber\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCoats\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e1 to 2; for more protection, follow with 2 to 3 coats of Arm-R-Seal\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eCoverage\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e100 to 125 sq ft per quart (GF product page)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDry time at 70 F, 50% humidity\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTouch 12+ hours; recoat 24+ hours over raw or stained wood (72+ hours over an existing sealed finish); light use 7 to 10 days; full cure 30 days\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eApply with\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNatural bristle or foam brush, pad applicator, staining pad or cotton cloth; wipe off the excess. Not for spraying.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eThinning\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot recommended\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eVOC\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eUnder 565 g\/L\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eClean up\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMineral spirits or a waterless hand cleaner\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eManufacturer part #\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSSQT\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eHow to apply\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSand raw wood: open-grain woods 120, then 150, then 180 grit; closed-grain woods 150, then 220 grit. GF does not recommend sanding finer than 220.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRemove dust with a vacuum, tack cloth or water-dampened rag.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStir well to mix in settled solids.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eApply a liberal coat along the grain with smooth, even strokes, then wipe off the excess with the grain using light pressure.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLet it dry 24+ hours before a second coat or a topcoat of Arm-R-Seal.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I use Seal-A-Cell as a wood conditioner before stain?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYes. GF says it controls stain penetration and blotching on cherry, poplar and pine. Apply one coat, wipe off the excess, then apply GF oil-based \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes-gel-stain\"\u003eGel Stain\u003c\/a\u003e or liquid oil-based stain right away over the wet Seal-A-Cell. Let it dry overnight before a topcoat. GF notes the stain color will be about 20% lighter; a second stain coat deepens it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eDo I need a topcoat over Seal-A-Cell?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNo, it can be a stand-alone finish. For tabletops and other high-use surfaces, GF suggests one base coat of Seal-A-Cell to pop the grain, then 2 coats of Arm-R-Seal for durability.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eCan I put a water-based topcoat over it?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGF says to let oil-based products dry 72+ hours before applying a water-based product over them. GF also notes that Seal-A-Cell ambers over time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch4\u003eHow do I get rid of the rags?\u003c\/h4\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eRags and brushes soaked with oil-based finish can catch fire on their own. GF says to put them in a sealed, water-filled metal container right away and dispose of them under local fire rules.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAlso sold here in a \u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-oil-based-seal-a-cell-clear-pint\"\u003epint\u003c\/a\u003e. Topcoat with \u003ca href=\"\/products\/general-finishes-arm-r-seal-wipe-on-topcoat-satin-pint\"\u003eArm-R-Seal Satin\u003c\/a\u003e, shop all \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/general-finishes\"\u003eGeneral Finishes\u003c\/a\u003e, or plan the job with the \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/furniture-refinishing-project-cart\"\u003efurniture refinishing project cart\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"General Finishes","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67673257935158,"sku":"196-759","price":38.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0931\/9750\/0726\/files\/606016104031.jpg?v=1791582197"}],"url":"https:\/\/projectweekenddiy.com\/collections\/general-finishes-seal-a-cell.oembed","provider":"Project Weekend DIY","version":"1.0","type":"link"}