My BIGGEST Mistake Ever! Don't use ARM-R-SEAL SATIN for this!

In this video you see Thomas deal with a giant headache. He started using General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Satin and had to start the finishing process all over again. He shows how to fix the issue if you had the same problem.

Products used-

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[terig]

Arm-r-seal is the best product I've used so far for large surfaces. I'm in a dry climate and this stuff dries slower and smoother than any other finish I've used.
The key is to apply it in long, unbroken consecutive strips as if you're painting big stripes with the grain. Don't apply it in square sections and don't try to add more product over where you've already applied it in an attempt to remoisten it.

[bradbennati]

One problem I noticed is that you weren’t keeping it mixed as you applied it. Any satin oil polyurethane product has flattening agents. In order to avoid a blotchy streaky finish with patches glossy and flatter spots, you have to have to keep it well mixed to keep the flattening agents evenly mixed and in suspension in the mixture. I use a magnetic laboratory mixer on a low speed to keep satin finish mixed as I apply it. For larger projects, it would be better to use the roll ant tip method. Roll it on and tip it off with a quality brush, maintaining a wet edge, and resist the urge to go back over areas too much.

[adventuretravel]

I have been finishing wood for decades and used the Armor Seal Satin for the first time a few weeks ago on a dining room table. The results the best, smoothest, and most even satin finish I have ever achieved. This product is not to be applied like most polyurethanes. I applied with soft cloth, then wiped off the excess within a few minutes. Sanded with 300 grit between coats. After 4 coats, I buffed with 0000 scotch bright pad. Results were perfectly smooth, even satin finish.

[Fredrik]

Hi there, I have used arm r seal for over 35 years and have never had the problem you encountered. I spray the finish after stirring thoroughly and spray before it has time to settle. I then sand with 320 paper after it has dried overnight and apply a second coat and follow the same process until I have 5 coats and then let it dry for a week then I polish with a 7 inch buffer pad using auto grade polish. It looks beautiful and my clients love the results.
Best Regards
Fred Thomas

[patrick-uwov]

I used arm r seal semi gloss on my walnut mantel which I had similar issues with the dry time being super fast and also runny. However in my experience as a finisher
I fixed the problem and was amazed by the before and after. What I did was lightly sand with a really fine sandpaper and then used polish with a pad on my orbital sander with a quick once over. The whole sanding and polish took about 10 minutes max on the piece which is over 8' long. I almost always use this method to varying degrees based on the finish type.

[timball]

I've used this for years on multiple woods and sizes. Never had a problem. It finishes better than any other wipe on to spray, including Emtech water based lacquer and Mono Coat. Comes out, for me, streak free and glass smooth. Monocoat with their Sheen plus is also awesome but dry times are extended.

[asoggyburger]

I love arm r seal. I’ve used it on multiple tables and large surfaces. Don’t blame arm r seal for user error. You applied way too much and must keep it well mixed and have good ambient temperatures. I wipe on with a cotton rag, less is more. However! I do prefer hard wax finishes like Osmo oil top oil and Rubio. Higher quality for sure and have an edge in overall look and sheen. Sorry you went through so much trouble!

[sunlovesailing]

I’ve used this quite Bit in the past with great results. I just used it again after a few years and am having the same streaking problems. I went on the FB forum and got all kinds of advice. I’m trying it again today on another desk. I’ll keep ya posted. Thanks for the vid

[themusicofdrewalkema]

Thanks for the heads up. I'm about to do a 7'x3' black walnut table and was going to use the Arm R Seal.

[randyp]

One thing that I didn't see in the video was wiping off the excess after applying (step 2 in the application directions.) If you skip this step you can definitely end up with poor results. I find that multiple coats following the standard directions works well, but as you can tell from these comments there are many variations of application techniques that people use for Arm-r-Seal. I'm not sure any one technique is better than another, you just have to find one that works best for you.

[TheOlsonOutfit]

I've used Arm-R-Seal gloss for years with no problems. I just did a 4x6 table with Satin. Even though I worked fast I still ended up with one area with streaks. I stumbled on to this video too late :-)
edit: I was even using the "feather strokes" suggested below.

[cameronmaclennan]

i’ve just finished a 3’x6’ table with this product and it looks perfect. my guess is you didn’t stir enough to keep the flattening agent active.. or applied too much pressure. also the first few coats are likely to have streaks.. its really not until the fourth coat that it starts to look flat and even. apply that fourth coat super thin with minimal pressure and long slow wipes. obviously the natural products are going to look better but the durability is much lower. varnish requires a more professional application but when done well will last much longer and look great.

[MrMotor]

I use Arm R Seal Satin almost exclusively on all my projects. Most of my projects are small and I have no issues with lap marks. However, I recently made a trestle table from quarter sawn white oak with a dark dye stain. I had significant streaks on the table top no matter what I did. I switched to semi gloss and did not have this problem. But it was too shiny for me. So I decided to spray a final coat of satin instead of wiping. I still have overlap marks (cloudy overlap lines). It was impossible to see this when spraying. It only shows after drying. I still stand by the product, but will have to consider other options when finishing large surfaces.

[NuniqueNewNork]

for some woods you will want to use a Pre-Stain conditioner, sand, then hardening tung oil like Danish Oil, then arm-r-seal, sand, coat 2, sand, coat 3. Temperature above 60. Wait longer between coats. That was what went wrong. Also, you can thin it a little bit to extend the cure time, like, 10% mineral spirits added and stirred. You definitely want to find a way to mop the entire top with a roud head cellulose foam head on a stick. Then you can do lengthwise and stop doing a third at a time.

[jovo]

I did 9 5'x5' tables with arm r seal satin and got amazing results. I think you applied it too heavy and didnt stir it enough. You may want to try it on a small piece and see how it works.

[PLaTerra]

I had/have the same issue. I find that thinning it with and putting the last coat on with a cloth, helps. It’s too bad because GF make great products…… but the satin finish is problematic for sure.

[briangoodale]

I typically put a sealer coat of dewaxed schellac on a table top before I top coat. I just did 2 tops with the GF Enduro Var with great results .

[DarrellEagle-er]

I use this product daily. It is a very good product. I brush on larger tables etc. the key with general finishes is that they are using in a controlled environment. I work in a open shop, but if I’m applying my last Coats of arm r seal. I bring the table inside. With the heat, it doesn’t gas out properly when drying and drys way to quick. Stir often when doing bigger pieces as well

[whitepawwoodworks]

I find that applying fast drying urethane finishes along the length in strips followed by a “feather stroke” from one end to the other works best for me. If you apply the finish in blocks it can leave noticeable lap marks where wet finish builds up over finish that’s started to tack up.

For instance, I would visualize finishing each board that makes up the top and feathering it lengthwise, starting from the edge toward the middle, then from the middle toward the other edge. That’s just what works for me. I’ve yet to use Rubio on a project. Wish me luck with that!
🇺🇸💪🏼🔨☕️

[anthonymarker]

I had the same experience as @whitepaw. Feather strokes end to end worked for me, as well. Also, very important, I gently stirred the finish very frequently (every 2 minutes or so) and that helped a great to deal even out my experience with the product since the flatteners were well mixed continually. With those two technique adjustments my experience with Arm-R-Seal Satin has been great.