Founded in 1928, General Finishes has since become a favorite of designers, woodworkers, professionals, and DIYers. Many people across the country ask for General Finishes by name because they love the ease of use, durability, and rich colors GF products provide.
General Finishes is a well-known pioneer on the water-based front. The company is committed to developing the best water-based stains and finishes and is recognized in the industry as an innovator in water-based technology.
In 2020, GF introduced bio-based renewable resources into their products to replace petroleum and decrease the carbon footprint without affecting quality. Today, GF continues to test, evaluate, and advance their water-based finishes using the highest quality ingredients.
General Finishes: Overview of Products
Here we provide a summary of General Finishes’ deep line of products with testimonials from customers.
Read on to learn more or stop by the store and see what we have in stock.
You can also order General Finishes from our online store and get FREE SHIPPING on orders of $200 or more!
Pro Image Flooring Water-Based Topcoat
Pro Image Water-Based Floor Finish is a one-component, easy-to-apply finish that’s available in two sheens: satin or semi-gloss. You can apply this fast-drying finish over raw stain or previously unfinished hardwood. GF recommends three coats applied using a pad applicator, bristle brush, roller, or T-bar.
Water-Based Stain
General Finishes Water-Based Stain is made using cutting edge pigments and resins. Made from renewable resources, this formula provides deeper colors for the most consistent and richest results. You can even get clean results on woods like pine and maple, which are notoriously difficult to stain. Water-based wood stains are available in 17 colors and pre-stain conditioner (natural).
“It truly is a beautiful stain. It went on smoothly and only needed one coat for each section.”
Water-Based Dye Stain
Water-Based Dye Stains are transparent and vibrant with a thin viscosity that penetrates deep into the wood fibers. Apply this low-VOC interior stain to raw or unfinished wood for richer colors than pigmented stains. GF Water-based dye stains are available in 14 colors.
“I have never experienced such phenomenally excellent staining results on hard maple before and I plan to use this dye-stain again.”
Milk Paint
Milk Paint is a pre-mixed, premium, durable, mineral-based, interior/exterior paint that mimics the old-world look of furniture paint. It has clear and white bases, tintable to light and dark bases. Milk Paint can be glazed with GF glaze or pearl effects and comes available in 12 colors. Milk Paint doesn’t need a topcoat unless you want added stain resistance. You can apply it for a low luster finish using a brush, roller, or spray.
“It made the job so easy that since we used it, I have felt confident that we could turn any ugly wood pretty!”
Water-Based Glaze Effects
Using translucent Water-Based Glaze Effects, you can achieve many decorative finishes, such as marbling, burnishing, color washing, and more.
“I redid my fireplace and used all the Faux paints now it looks like Marble.”
High Performance Water-Based Polyurethane Topcoat
High Performance Water-Based Topcoat is an award-winning and best-selling water-based topcoat designed for professionals and DIYers. It’s an interior finish that’s ideal for furniture, cabinets, and millwork. High Performance comes available in five sheens: dead flat, flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss.
“The GF finish allowed me to achieve my goals: a satin finish on a maple cabinet top with no yellowing or color change.”
Enduro-Var II Water-Based Urethane Topcoat
Enduro-Var II is an interior oil-modified water-based topcoat for professionals or DIYers. This formula imparts an amber tone and is made from 70% renewable resources, offering great adhesion and fast recoat times.
“It dried smooth and looks great. This was a semi-gloss finish, it ended up with a nice sheen without being too glaring. I highly recommend it and will use it again.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based Tintable 2K White & 2K Clear Poly
This product is a true 2K poly that’s engineered for the ultimate durability, adhesion, and chemical/water resistance. When paired with Tintable 2K Clear Poly, you have the most durable interior/exterior coatings GF has ever created. This finish is spray only, fast-drying, and cleans up with water.
“We have been testing the new Industrial 2K coatings from General Finishes and I have been very pleased with the results.”
Exterior 450 Stain
Exterior 450 pigmented wood stain is a solid choice for outdoor projects, you can apply it to wood, MDF, and fiberglass. This formula is made with more than 50% renewable resources and is fortified with UV and mold inhibitors.
“An amazing finish to ten-year-old pine deck that has never been treated.”
Exterior 450 Topcoat
Exterior 450 Topcoat is an earth-friendly water-based exterior-rated clear topcoat for professionals and DIYers. This lasting and pliable finish moves with the expansion and contraction of wood. It has UV absorbers to stabilize and protect the film integrity. Apply it to exterior vertical surfaces, such as doors and window frames. You can also use it on exterior tables and furniture, but standing water will degrade the surface if you don’t clear it off.
“No cracks in the finish by the next season – just beautiful wood. Recoat every two years and wood will last a very long time. No replacing railings and ceilings every 10 years.”
Water-Based Wood Turners Finish
Wood Turners Finish is a fast-drying, light amber, water-oil urethane hybrid topcoat that can be polished to a high gloss. Use this gloss finish for turnings, bowls, and other lathe products. Apply it with a linen cloth, foam brush, or a bristle brush.
“This finish, when applied as several thin coats, is very easy to use for turning projects. It gives a beautiful clear finish, which can be buffed to a high gloss.”
Enduro Extender & Accelerator
Enduro Extender and Accelerator are additives designed to shorten or lengthen the dry time. Products mixed with these additives will remain stable when stored.
Enduro Extender slows the drying process to increase working time while improving flow and leveling. When you’re working with water-based stains, this product can be a real life saver.
“Can’t say enough about this product and its uses. I always keep it when I have painting going on.”
Oil-Based Gel Stain
Gel Stain is a heavy-bodied, durable interior stain that develops color and brings out the figure on the grain. Apply it using a dry brush, natural bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, roller, or a lint-free cloth. Let it sit for a minute, then wipe it off with a clean cloth. This one-coat wonder really brings out the character of the wood with a unique combination of pigments, oils and urethanes.
“Well, after reading 4 million reviews, videos from everyone I could find, endless pictures comparing colors, I went for it and I couldn’t be happier.”
Oil-Based Wood Stain
General Finishes liquid oil-based wood stain is a traditional favorite available in 14 contemporary colors. This easy-to-use stain is especially good for use on spindles and carvings. Thinner than gel stain, you can lighten this formula with a conditioner or mix it with ARM-R-seal to make a toner. Apply it using a natural bristle or foam brush, staining pad, or pad applicator. Recoat after 24 hours.
“The pigments in this brand are outstanding. 3 times the Color intensity over other brands. I have 4 different colors of stains, and all are fabulous.”
Oil-Based Seal-A-Cell
Seal-A-Cell Oil-Based Sealer is an interior ambering penetrating sealer made with a unique combination of urethanes and waxes. This formula seals the wood from within. You can apply it with a natural bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator, or lint-free cloth.
“Best finishing option ever if you use nice hard wood and you want the natural beauty to shine though.”
Oil-Based Arm-R Seal Urethane Wipe-On Topcoat
Arm-R Seal is a durable ambering topcoat made with the highest quality urethane resin for deep protection and a natural look. Apply Arm-R Seal with a rag, terry-cloth covered sponge, or a paint pad applicator wrapped in a cloth.
“This product is amazing. Easy to apply and finished results are fantastic.”
Oil-Based Gel Topcoat
Gel Topcoat is an ambering, oil-based urethane topcoat formulated to be applied in very thin coats to produce a soft, silky hand-rubbed finish with exceptional durability. It’s ideal for vertical surfaces where thinner products may run or drip.
“The finished effect was beautiful. Almost like a hand rubbed tongue-oil finish, but super glassy smooth.”
Outdoor Oil
Outdoor Oil is an ambering exterior penetrating oil that acts as a wood preservative. Use a natural bristle brush and apply a liberal amount, then lightly remove the excess to bring out the wood’s natural color and grain. You can use a roller or spray for larger surfaces. Outdoor Oil needs to be reapplied seasonally.
“This finish is easy to apply and does an excellent job of protecting the wood.”
Wood Bowl Finish
Wood Bowl Finish is a thin, pure urethane and oil-based finish for decorative wood bowls and turnings that brings out the natural beauty of the wood.
“Our own bowls are finished with this product and we eat salad with dressing, etc right out of it. Highly recommend.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based Sanding Sealer
Enduro Sanding Sealer is a non-clogging, water-based clear coat for professional use. The high solids acrylic formula builds a fast-drying, easily sandable, clear finish. You can use it under conversion varnish, clear poly, Pre-Cat Lacquer, High Performance, and Flat Out Flat. You can also use it as a toner when you mix it with GF stock wood stains and dye stains.
“In addition to the level of forgiveness, this material is super easy to sand. This Sealer is a must if you are setting out for a professional finish for cabinetry and allows for a pristine foundation for their other finishes.”
Brush & Gun Cleaner
With Brush & Gun Cleaner you can clean spray equipment and brushes after applying water-based products. Available in gallon and 5 gallons.
Enduro Professional Water-Based White Poly
This white lacquer equivalent provides a hard, durable finish to cabinets and millwork. With exceptional resistance to water and chemicals, this pigmented acrylic urethane blend is VOC-compliant, non-flammable, and fast-drying.
“I’ve been a professional furniture maker for over 20 years… I’ll be using this finish for many more projects.”
Enduro Professional White Undercoat
Enduro White Undercoat is a water-based heavy-body primer that builds an easily sandable film over raw wood. Undercoat provides a base coat that works as a barrier. Use it with Enduro Professional Water-Based White Poly for a winning combination.
“Solid product. This is one I will keep in my furniture finishing arsenal.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based 2K Conversion Varnish
2K Conversion Varnish is a two-component post-catalyzed polyurethane designed for interior and exterior commercial applications, such as restaurant tabletops and bar tops, doors, and furniture. Standing water will degrade the surface if left to sit. It’s a true two-component polyurethane that requires an NCO catalyst. Flat, satin, semi-gloss, and gloss. Fast cure of 5-7 days. Apply with a sprayer. This is General Finishes’ most durable finish.
“GF’s Conversion Finish goes on thinner but is a lot harder finish than water-based poly.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based Clear Poly
G.F.’s best-selling self-cross-linking acrylic urethane for interior provides a smooth durable finish for cabinets, furniture and millwork. This finish is tintable and can be used as a toner. Do not use over bright whites as it can cause yellowing.
“We were blown away with how easy it was to apply and achieve a factory like finish.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based Black Poly
Equivalent to black lacquer, this finish is a pigmented acrylic urethane for interior use. Spray only, it cures to a hard finish. Available in gallon and 5 gallon pails. Piano black finish. Easily flows and levels
“Their dyes and stains are without peer. This is not something you’ll find at a hardware store.”
Enduro Pre-Cat Lacquer
Pre-Cat Lacquer is a clear-drying, water-based topcoat for interior use on cabinets, trim, and millwork. It’s a good entry-level finish with high block resistance.
“This is a very good finish for wood surfaces. It sprays well and can even be brushed. It dries quickly and can be recoated within an hour.”
Enduro Professional Water-Based RTM Stains
With the Enduro Professional Water-Based RTM Stain system, you can custom match stain colors on site.
“Color of stain really pops out when coated with polyurethane or other clear coating.”
Hard Wax Oil & Hardener
Hard Wax Oil is a high-quality urethane-solids polymer in a blend of oil & wax that enhances the natural look of wood. The urethane gives Hard Wax Oil improved chemical and mechanical properties over standard oil & wax finishes.
Orange Oil
Orange Oil is a maintenance cleaner and polish. Use it routinely on furniture, antique restoration, or as lubrication to buff a topcoat. This formula dissipates to give the wood a renewed look without harming the surface.
“I ordered this and used it with the finest grade of steel wool and a soft cloth and it worked wonders!”
Butcher Block Oil
Butcher Block Oil is a natural protectant and maintenance product made with mineral oils. Let it soak into the surface and wipe off the excess. This formula is designed for surfaces that come in contact with food.
“Provides a great finish for your butcher block and keeps the finish in great condition.”
Summary
Through cutting-edge, water-based innovation, and developing the highest-quality earth-friendly products, General Finishes provides an excellent range of products for wood floors, furniture, and more.
Over the years, they have established a loyal following because of their first-class products and customer service. Many people trust the GF brand for achieving the best results possible.
Try General Finishes on your next project and see for yourself.
