Thanks – it is good to know that you found the post helpful :-) Since I have been writing about the topic for years and there are hundreds of other blogs and websites that post about furniture painting, it is hard to know what is helpful for readers. Thank you for your answer, Diane! Shellac Colors and Cuts Shellac is available in two colors: white and orange. Poly seems like the easier method, but once you get the hang of using wax – you realize it is so easy to apply and buff. Minwax 65555444 Polycrylic Protective Finish. Thanks. The downside to this product is its limitation to the indoor surfaces. On my kitchen table which gets a lot of use, I add a new layer of wax once a year. This topcoat can be used over both the wooden and metallic surfaces. The best top coats and how to use them. The white surface of all paints looks unattractive if it does not have the requisite shiny finish. I wanted the bench seat to match the black legs of the bench so I spray painted the seat of the bench with black satin spray paint. Ugh…. Special Note: You can directly use the product on any rough surfaces. These resins protect the paint from moisture and duress. I love the look, but I always ask myself if I think I may want to change this down the road. Two coats should be plenty. Thank you so much!! It will sit on top. I have used and recommend all of them. (I consider you my go-to professional.). Has it yellowed? Since it is water-based it won’t yellow. This clear coat, when applied, leaves a fragile layer over the surface, which ensures the glossiness we seek in an ideal clear coat. This topcoat eliminates the need for a separate wood filler and does the job by itself while providing the necessary filling to the wooden surface. I also use her “white” colored wax on my kitchen table – which gives the unstained wood a whitewashed look. I love the blue on that desk! You can apply it on most color shades. Applying topcoat or sealing is pretty simple. 2. I am asking as some polishes may only be made for sealed finishes or raw wood and could remove the paint. Can you see the pores in the furniture, which is giving it a really bad look? Thanks!! It is best used on decorative pieces that don't have to stand up to hard wear. You used Minwax Polycrylic on your light colored bathroom cabinet. Do you have to use a top coat over Latex Gloss paint? The coat can get dry within half an hour. I’m having a little trouble and hoping you could shine some light. If you want to seal your paint, you could try using a water-based polyurethane like Minwax Polycrylic, but I don’t think it will adhere well because the paint is semi-gloss. Or maybe I do not have to seal this table top. So, you can start by sanding the wood. Fusion Mineral Paint in the color Liberty Blue, Bedroom Makeover Update: Wallpapered Accent Wall, Before & After Mirror Makeover Using Glaze. This clear coat is water-based and hence provides excellent shine to the surface. You mentioned in your comment that you used both eggshell and satin. The best clear coat for white paint is the one which brings back life to your old furniture and doors and gives them a new look. If you donât know much about clear coats and just want a reliable, clear coat to do your job, Rust-Oleum 200041H should be your first choice without any question due to its balanced features. It also works well as a topcoat for those pieces where you get a lot of chipping with your milk paint. I will give them a couple of days to fully dry. Let dry for 48 hours, then use Polycrylic in the sheen you want to seal it. polyurethane is the protector of your paint. The gloss finish is tough, wipeable and acts as a sealer all on its own. The layer of this oil can be thicker. A question from a reader, Kim, asked Could she use wax on top of a clear coat poly product to seal painted furniture? I recommend either Varathane’s Water-Based Top Coat or General Finishes High Performance Top Coat for furniture projects. I can attest to this… it does. You can also use the surface instantly after getting dry. It looks better on furniture as it is not too shiny. For the top, go over with more pressure to remove the scratches. Once you are done with your final coat or top coat, you donât need to sand it. General Finishes QTHSG is a high-performance topcoat, known for its hardness and durability. Here I tested 7 different top coats and reviewed each while giving my best tips for applying a clear coat. Oil-based poly will yellow very quickly especially if it is in a dark room. Should I lightly sand all around to prepare for paint? You can use 320-grit sandpaper. It is the best interior sealer for white paint on any surfaces. I didn’t like how it looked on the top of the desk, so much so that I wasn’t going to even post the desk makeover. You could use brush-on a water-based flat finish poly. There are two ways to paint over a waxed finish. Hi Sharon – I am so happy that my post will be of help to you. For example, you want to apply three oil-based polyurethane coats on your furniture. Most recently, I’ve been using a clear coat varnish on my painted furniture pieces, and I am finding that this is the easiest top coat finish I’ve ever used. The product works fine while fighting against stain and scratches. I’ve never used the wax finish before. Apply another very thin coat of Bonding primer. Go over the surface with the soaked sponge/rag and it will remove the wax. Hi Geraldine – Thank you for taking the time to tell me about no confirmation after signing up for my email came to your email. Remember, the more you can smooth your wood surface, the clearer coat you will have. Ventilation before painting is too important. I prefer wax, but it does take some buffing to get it to a sheen, but once you do, it looks great and will cure to a hard finish in a few weeks. Here are some of the essential factors that you need to consider while purchasing the best topcoat for wooden furniture:-. One wall of cabinets are matte black and I want to protect them and make sure that they are sealed, for their own protection while staying as matte as possible. Thank you for answering my questions in such detail. Deciding which to use is more of a personal choice. The oil-based polyurethane coating is one of the best. 2. You can't do better than clear polyurethane when you need a protective coating for painted furniture. Hi Christy – I don’t think you have to worry. If you are seeking to bring a shine to your furniture, you should move on in the list, and if you find durable protection against the scratches and stains, then this is the product you should choose. The product plays the role of being a protective layer on your paint coat to increase the paint's longevity. I always wait about a day after buffing. The varnish oil has less smell, which can get vanished within a day after application. I am going to apply another layer of paint – not sure if the finish choice matters at this point? Keep sanding until they are gone. I have used this brand more than any of the others. Does the wax sit on top of the poly or does the steel wool and electric buffing head on your drill really help it to get into the surface? Fusion Mineral paint can be used outside so you could use the exact color I did. I have painted lots of pieces with chalk paint and a wax sealer. I’d recommend the clear coat last if the piece gets a lot of use. Interior latex paint ($15 to $40 … In fact if you do, you will alter the sheen. For a smoother surface over paint it several times. If you are going to use a light color of paint on the chest and the wood is old, tannins may come through the paint. Some of the links on this blog are affiliate links. Keep in mind we did buff it as much as we could! Roll on with a small foam roller a very thin coat of Bonding primer, let dry over night. 2) Use mineral spirits in a well-ventilated area to remove the wax and then apply poly OR 3) if you’re using the same brand name say Annie Sloan CP w Annie Sloan Wax, simply apply a coat or two of AS paint over your wax, and then poly. It will possibly give you a smooth surface. If you neglect it anyhow, make sure you are very kind while using your painted project. Two coats of this product can save the look of a surface from fading even when it gets older. It also helps the paint to stay stain-free. Thank you for your expertise! The finish stays clear and smooth for years. When I paint furniture, I like the look of clear wax over the paint. KILZ Premium High-Hide Stain Blocking Interior/Exterior Latex Primer, Watco 63041 Lacquer Clear Wood Finish from Rust-Oleum, Interior Clear Wood Finish Gloss Brushing Lacquer by Deft Inc, Varnish Oil from Tried & True Wood Finish. I really liked it. To keep the matte finish and keep the paint looking nice, you should seal it with a matte or flat water-based polyurethane. Interesting enough, the product can be used on floors as well, thus showing that this top coat can withstand extreme conditions. Filed Under: Furniture Makeovers, Furniture Painting Tips. It will all be clear. Based on the time you have for the waxing and polishing process, you can choose your top coat accordingly. The quick poly had no “flow” that would allow it to settle into a smooth coat and would dry before I reached the other end of the table : (. Hours, then use chalk paint which is giving it a really look. Several blogs about it taking up to hard wear and apply a layer! 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