General Finishes High Performance Water-Based Polyurethane Topcoat Dead Flat Gallon

General Finishes High Performance Water-Based Polyurethane Topcoat Dead Flat Gallon

General Finishes High Performance is a water-based polyurethane topcoat for interior cabinets, trim, doors, and furniture. It won Fine Woodworking's "Best Overall Choice Award," where it was voted the hardest, most durable consumer polyurethane topcoat. Brush it, roll it, or spray it. This gallon is the Dead Flat sheen.

Dead Flat is the flattest High Performance sheen. It is formulated with renewable resources and a patented polymer technology, and delivers a sheen under 5 degrees with high water resistance and very high chemical resistance. Because it uses a different polymer, Dead Flat cannot be mixed with the other High Performance sheens.

Highlights

• Water white in the can, dries clear, and does not amber
• Use over raw wood, stain, and non-white painted surfaces
• Self-sealing, and usable over existing finishes with proper prep
• Soap and water cleanup for hands

Specifications

• Type: water-based urethane/acrylic blend, interior only
• Sheen: Dead Flat (under 5)
• Size: 1 gallon
• Coverage: 500 to 600 sq ft per gallon
• Recommended coats: 2 to 3
• Dry to touch: 30+ minutes. Recoat: 2+ hours. Light use: 7 to 10 days. Full cure: 21 days (at 70 degrees F and 50% humidity)
• VOC: under 225 g/L
• Solids: 36% by volume, 34% by weight
• Apply with: synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad, roller, or HVLP sprayer (1.1 to 1.3 mm tip)
• Thin with: distilled water, starting at 5% and up to 10% by volume

How much do I need?

At 500 to 600 sq ft per gallon per coat, a 3-coat finish from one gallon covers roughly 165 to 200 sq ft. A 2-coat finish covers roughly 250 to 300 sq ft.

How to apply

1. Raw wood: sand no finer than 220 grit and remove the dust. Freshly stained wood: do not sand, apply once the stain is dry (let oil-based products dry 72+ hours first).
2. Previously finished wood: scuff clean with a non-woven pad and a 50:50 mix of denatured alcohol and water, let dry 1 to 2 hours, then sand lightly with a 220 to 320 grit sponge.
3. Stir thoroughly before and during use. Apply a liberal coat along the grain with smooth, even strokes, avoiding pressure and excess back brushing.
4. Sand between coats with a fine 220 to 320 grit pad and remove dust. Do not use steel wool. Apply 2 to 3 coats; more than 3 will not improve durability.

Good to know

• General Finishes advises against using any clear coat, including this one, over white or light paints such as GF Milk Paint, because it may cause yellowing
• Do not use water-based products with linseed oils or Danish oils
• Test for adhesion and appearance before starting the full project

Want a little more sheen? See the Clear Flat Gallon and Clear Satin Gallon, or shop all protective finishes and topcoats and the furniture refinishing project cart.