How To #11: Choosing a Topcoat For Your Project

In this video I talk about choosing a topcoat for your project, ones I have used and my favorites! I beleive I left out one of the differences between the polyurethane (oli based) and polyacrylic (water based) is that the polyacrylic has a much faster dry time!
Products Discussed:
General Finishes Arm-R-Seal
General Finishes Gel Topcoat
General Finishes High Performance Top Coat
General Finishes Flat out Flat
Minwax Fast Drying Polyurethane
Minwax Spray Polyurethane
Staining Pads
Foam Brush
Nylon (knee-high nylons)

[bethswain]

Really appreciated learning so much about top coats! Thank you!

[Lourdes-Ambrosio]

Thanks for this very informative video! Just what I needed. A friend has asked me to paint the top of her dining room room table n I want to make sure I pick the best top coat. I’m going with the GF High Performance Top Coat since I’m using a light paint color. Thanks again Kimberly! Have a fabulous week! 🥰

[vickipaisley]

Hey Kimberly - I just watched for a second time (or maybe even 3rd - I watch all you videos. Usually more than once 🤦🏽‍♀️) as I am getting ready to top coat a new project. A friend asked me to paint a bed; I used Country Chic all in one paint but I feel like I want to give it a little extra protection. On hand I have clear wax, various Dixie bell top coats, and general finished water based top coat (which I have never used yet). I was wondering if you have a recommendation?

[momofblessingsfaithhopelo]

Love this, I would love to be able to use the “cheaper” top coat and I’m sure my husband would be bc I am a stay at home momma 😂. But the poly does scare me bc if bubbles and streaks!! I’ve even thought of the polycrylic but that scares me to. I wish the general brand was close to me or not so high. But I know it’s important so if it helps me to not mess up that be great. So do you recommend using the armor vs the high performance for the table top, I only plan on using top coat for the table top. I don’t think I need a top coat for painted surface bc it’s an enamel. Unless I go with something else haha.

[patrickjanicezelney]

Hi! Love your videos, thank you so much! I’ve just painted a dresser with Fusion’s Casement White and I’m planning to apply a transfer to the front of it. Its recommended to use a topcoat over the transfer so I’m trying to figure out which topcoat I should use, and should I use it on the entire piece or just over the transfer?

[ChrisDavisCDinSV]

I'm just getting into woodworking and finishes. What is the best top coat for outdoor furniture? I'm a little luck in that I live in Southern California and it doesn't rain that much (8 inches a year).

[cynthiawelch]

Thanks for the video. Have you tried Modern Masters Dead Flat Varnish?

[sherriemoore]

Love these videos! My question for you is if I am painting a dresser in a semi gloss finish.. should I get a semi gloss top coat? Can I do wax on the body part?

[kristenbury]

Do you recommending using the General Finishes High Performance Top Coat on dark paint colors? Does it make dark paint colors cloudy