General Finishes High Performance Topcoat is a water-based hybrid of urethane and acrylic resin, formulated for surfaces that take a beating — tabletops, cabinets, and other case goods — where a straight acrylic topcoat falls short on toughness and water resistance. It's UV-stabilized to help protect the stain or paint underneath from fading, and it dries fast with none of the odor or flammability of a solvent lacquer.
It's available in five sheens — Dead Flat, Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, and Gloss — and one quart covers roughly 125-150 sq ft per coat. It's dry to the touch in about 30 minutes and ready for a second coat in 2 hours; plan on 2-3 coats total, with light use possible after 7-10 days and a full cure at 21 days. Clean up with soap and water or General Finishes Brush & Gun Cleaner. It's for interior use only, applied by brush, roller, or HVLP spray.
- Water-based urethane/acrylic hybrid topcoat, interior use
- Sheens: Dead Flat, Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss, Gloss
- Coverage: about 125-150 sq ft per quart per coat
- Dry to touch in 30+ minutes; recoat in 2+ hours
- 2-3 coats recommended; full cure in 21 days
- Cleanup with soap and water
Specifications
| Type | Urethane/Acrylic Blend |
|---|---|
| Base | Water |
| Interior / exterior | Interior only |
| Sheens | Dead Flat (<5), Flat (10 or less), Satin (25-35), Semi-Gloss (50-60), Gloss (80+) |
| Color | Water White in can (dries clear) |
| Ambers (yellows) | No |
| Apply with | Brush, Roll, Spray |
| Spray tip | HVLP 1.1mm-1.3mm |
| Coats | 2 - 3 coats |
| Dry to touch | 30+ minutes |
| Recoat after | 2+ hours |
| Light use after | 7-10 days |
| Full cure | 21 days |
| Coverage | 65-75 sq ft/pint, 125-150 sq ft/quart, 500-600 sq ft/gallon |
| Durability | High |
| Over an existing finish | Yes |
| Tintable | Yes, but not recommended. |
| VOC | Dead Flat: < 225 G/L Flat: < 175 g/L Satin: < 175 g/L Semi-Gloss: < 175 g/L Gloss: < 175 g/L |
Questions & answers
Will High Performance yellow over light wood or white paint?
The finish itself does not amber; it is water-clear in the can and dries clear. Over bright white or very light paint, any water-based topcoat can draw out a slight yellow tint from the wood or the paint underneath, so try it on a hidden spot first.
How long between coats, and when can I use it?
Dry to the touch in 30+ minutes, ready to recoat after 2+ hours, light use after 7-10 days, and fully cured at 21 days. If the surface still feels cool, it is not dry yet; it is ready for the next coat when light sanding makes a dry powder.
Can I brush, roll or spray it?
All three. For HVLP spraying, a 1.1 mm to 1.3 mm tip is the recommended size.
Which sheens are there, and can I mix them?
Dead Flat, Flat, Satin, Semi-Gloss and Gloss. You can mix two High Performance sheens to get one in between. Do not mix it with Flat Out Flat, which uses a different resin.
How do I get rid of brush marks?
Lightly sand the last coat with a 220-grit foam pad, then put on a slightly heavier coat and brush it out less, so it can level itself as it dries. If the room is above 80°F or the humidity is under 70%, add 10% General Finishes Extender to give yourself more working time.
Why did the finish turn cloudy?
A milky haze (called blush) usually means the topcoat went over an oil-based stain that was not dry: the oil reacts with the water-based finish. Let oil-based stain dry 72 hours first, or use a water-based stain. Humidity above 75% can also cause it; a fan helps the water escape.
Specifications from General Finishes.