General Finishes Exterior 450 Clear Satin Quart

Regular price $42.99
Free shipping on $75+
30-day returns on unopened items

General Finishes Exterior 450 is a water-based urethane/acrylic clear topcoat for vertical exterior surfaces such as fences, patio furniture, garage doors, entrance doors, outdoor kitchens and interior windows. It is not recommended as a deck finish. This quart is the Satin sheen.

Exterior 450 is fortified with UV absorbers to help protect the finish film, and it includes a built-in mildewcide to slow mold and mildew growth. It works as a clear coat or as an optional topcoat over darker General Finishes Milk Paint colors. Do not use it over light or white paints, because yellowing may occur.

Highlights

  • Water white in the can, dries clear, and does not amber
  • Self-sealing; usable over existing finishes with proper prep
  • Brush, roll or spray (HVLP tip 1.1-1.3 mm)
  • Soap and water cleanup for hands; GF Brush and Gun Cleaner for equipment

Specifications

Sheen / size Satin (25-35) / 1 quart
Base / use Water-based urethane/acrylic blend / exterior vertical surfaces
Coverage About 140-160 sq ft per quart per coat (General Finishes)
Coats 2-3 coats; TDS recommends at least 3 total coats
Touch dry 30+ minutes at about 70 F and 50% humidity
Recoat 2+ hours in ideal conditions
Light use / full cure 7-10 days / 21 days
VOC Under 125 g/L
Solids About 29% by volume, 30% by weight (Satin)
Thinning Water, GF Extender or GF Accelerator per TDS
Manufacturer part # QXS

How much do I need?

At 140-160 sq ft per quart per coat, a 3-coat finish from one quart covers roughly 47-53 sq ft. A 2-coat finish covers roughly 70-80 sq ft.

How to apply

  1. Raw wood: sand no finer than 220 grit and remove dust. Freshly stained wood: apply only after the stain is fully dry.
  2. Previously finished wood: clean with a 50:50 denatured alcohol/water mix, then sand lightly with a 220-320 grit pad and remove dust. Test adhesion.
  3. Stir thoroughly. Apply 2-3 coats out of direct sun. Sand lightly between coats with a fine pad and remove dust.
  4. Allow full cure before heavy weather exposure. Always follow the product label and Exterior 450 technical data sheet.

Good to know

  • Not for decks
  • The UV additive protects the finish film; it does not stop wood from changing color in sunlight
  • Do not use over linseed or Danish oil finishes
  • Test for adhesion and appearance before starting the full project

Questions

Can I use this on a deck? No. Exterior 450 is for vertical exterior surfaces, not decks.

Can I topcoat Milk Paint with it? Yes over darker Milk Paint colors. Do not use over light or white paints.

How long before another coat? About 2+ hours in ideal conditions; cool or humid weather can take longer.

Shop related

Exterior 450 Satin Gallon. Exterior 450 Flat Gallon. Shop General Finishes, protective finishes and topcoats, exterior stains and deck finishes, or plan the job with the furniture refinishing project cart. See also the manufacturer Exterior 450 page.

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 196-623

Make sure the whole project is covered

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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