General Finishes Seal-A-Cell is an oil-based wood sealer built from oils, urethane resins, and wax, made to bring out grain and figure on wood that isn't being stained. It works as a standalone finish on its own or as a basecoat under General Finishes Arm-R-Seal topcoat, and it also acts as a wood conditioner that helps prevent blotching on woods like cherry and poplar.
- Coverage: about 50-60 sq ft per pint, 100-125 sq ft per quart, 400-500 sq ft per gallon
- VOC under 565 g/L; gloss sheen (80+)
- Apply 1-2 coats by brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or cloth
- Touch dry in 12+ hours; recoat after 24+ hours on raw wood or 72+ hours over a sealed surface; full cure in 30 days
- Interior use only
Apply a thin, even coat and let it penetrate before recoating or moving to a topcoat like Arm-R-Seal.
Specifications
| Type | Oil, Urethane & Wax Blend |
|---|---|
| Base | Oil |
| Interior / exterior | Interior only |
| Sheens | Gloss (80+) |
| Color | Dries Amber |
| Ambers (yellows) | Yes |
| Apply with | Brush |
| Coats | 1 - 2 coats |
| Dry to touch | 12+ hours |
| Recoat after | 24+ hours |
| Light use after | 7-10 days |
| Full cure | 30 days |
| Coverage | 50-60 sq ft/pint, 100-125 sq ft/quart, 400-500 sq ft/gallon |
| Durability | High |
| Over an existing finish | Yes |
| Tintable | No |
| VOC | < 565 g/L |
Questions & answers
What is Seal-A-Cell?
A thin, oil-based sealer made from oil, urethane and wax. It is brushed on, 1-2 coats.
Will it change the color of the wood?
Yes. It dries amber.
How long between coats, and when can I use it?
Dry to the touch in 12+ hours, ready to recoat after 24+ hours, light use after 7-10 days, and fully cured at 30 days.
Does it need a topcoat over it?
General Finishes lists it as self-sealing. It dries to a gloss sheen.
Can it go over an existing finish?
Yes. It is for interior use only.
Specifications from General Finishes.