General Finishes QTHS High Performance Water Based Topcoat, 1 quart, Satin by General Finishes

I love this product- it’s pricey but reliable and a little goes a long way. I used it over a dry oil based wood stain when the oil based top coat bubbled, was uneven and was so slow to dry that household floaters were getting into the finish- had to wipe it off. I applied this product as a test go and it was fabulous- dried fast enough that I had no inclusions and although I needed 2 coats it still didn’t consume a great deal of product. I rolled it on with a foam roller for even delivery. First I used it on dresser drawers, then on stair runners that I had been dreading to finish because of possibly getting things trapped in the finish, and also we need to use the stairs. It’s my go-to top coat now.

I had a small job of 3 barstools that were wood stained but I wanted them dark and all the same color. The Fired Earth paint looked great but I needed to seal not only to be sure the paint wouldn't rub off, but to give it more of a 'slick' surface to slide on and off the stools. I didn't need an entire quart for that and have plenty left over but there will be other jobs.I stirred the sealer well. I used a paintbrush to apply. I was a little worried at first because some reviews made me think this would be a little more difficult than it actually was, but I'm confident now to do other projects.I used this over an exterior paint because I like the color but this was not oil-based paint. I put on two coats of paint and let that dry a couple of days, then I used this sealer.I took the stools outside to be sure there was ventilation though this doesn't have a strong smell. It was easy to apply. Very runny and watery (I have the water-based formula), which helped me to apply it easily, but it is drippy so make sure you put something underneath or around to protect other surfaces. I worked rather quickly since the humidity is very low here this time of year. If you don't work somewhat quickly, it begins to dry out a little and becomes a little 'tacky.'I did two coats -- I let the first coat dry about 3 hours, then I lightly sanded, very lightly, with one of those sanding 'sponges' (they look like sponges but are very light sanders), wiped off the dust residue, and then applied the second coat, which I let dry about 4 hours before I brought my stools back in the house. I don't notice any odor in my house from the stain.They look beautiful! Satin is just enough that they aren't highly glossed but have a slight sheen. I am very happy with out they turned out. I'd love to try the matte on some rocking chairs I painted last year.The only thing that irritated me is days after I ordered my quart, the price went down $5--this is how it goes on Amazon, so nothing to do about that, but it still made me irritated. Other than that, I'm happy.

I work with a lot of water based paint, and run the risk of ordering water based poly due to certain brands not having antifreeze. The last purchase made ended in destroyed product so I opted to grab this. Works awesome! Price is hefty but it does the job, and the application is super easy. No odor either which is a bonus when you work in small quarters.

Finishing some white oak cabinet faces and everyone on the internet seems to recommend this. I can see why! Easy to apply, though you have to move a little quicker than oil based finishes. Nice clear, non-yellowing finish.

We installed butcher block counter tops and this finisher has been absolutely amazing on them!