Exterior 450 Satin Finish Quart

In a front entry door application (white oak), I’m quite pleased with the results obtained with this GF Exterior 450 product. However, its application requires a bit more “technique” than other topcoat poly/urethane products produced by GF. Specifically, in brush applications the product goes on more like a shellac, rather than a typical water-based topcoat. That is, the product sets up so fast that it does not tolerate a lot of brush strokes (rework) over a newly wetted area. So, as with shellac, you want to avoid overloading your brush, then brush (wet) an area, and then keep the wetted area moving (expanding) by stroking subsequent brush loads into the previously wetted area. Don’t try to level brush strokes that appear in the wet product, as it self-levels beautifully upon drying. Also, if you see areas that appear cloudy white (likely due to too heavy of a coat) leave them alone, as they will dry clear. As well, even if you do mess up an area, in just a 2 – 3 hours it can be lightly sanded and easily recoated. Not to wear out the shellac analogy, but using a good quality medium soft nylon or natural bristle brush is essential for applying this fast-setting topcoat product. In retrospect, if you can use a HVLP spray outfit that’s likely a better choice over a brush application. For reference, I applied the product in near ideal ambient conditions (low humidity / <80F). All applied coats were thinned 8 - 10 percent with water. I did five light coats on the in-place door sanding out lightly (320 grit) only after coats 2 and 3. On bare white oak grain raising was minimal, and final results, in satin, produced a soft pleasing sheen with a rich honey oak appearance similar to an oil-based product. Exterior durability of a water-based product is an open question, but all GF products, in my experience, are of superior quality. So, I’ll take the leap that 450’s performance will be comparable to a good quality exterior varnish.

This is the best I have ever used. I am 68 years old, and I have used dozens of water-based and solvent based varnishes. This has the right balance of quick dry and stay open properties. Outstanding when spray applied. The final finish is beautiful. Low drip too.

I use this as a clear coat over outdoor art work and it’s protected my work, year round in harsh winter snow and bright summer sun

I refinished a front door after stripping and sanding three layers of tough and ugly paint. I had never tackled such a project before and I know I oversanded a few areas. I used General Finishes Chestnut stain which went on very well. This topcoat put the finishing touch on. I put 3 coats on and the result was a beautiful satin sheen on the door. I am so pleased. I would definitely use General Finishes products again. I used the remaining topcoat product to put a finish on an old coffee box shipping container. The topcoat brought out the wood grain and it looks nice enough to have in my kitchen. Definitely a quality product.

I use this with my hvlp and it works great. Goes on nice and dries better than brushing. I will sand between coats with fine steel wool or 1000 grit or higher. Comes our smooth.