Before we begin today, I want to share that my website is “under construction” and is getting a makeover. I am doing it myself, so please excuse any issues for a few weeks. Sorry that Wednesday’s post was published Thursday. I am trying, folks!
Today’s post is about paint finishes. In particular, how to seal your paint for a durable finish. I have been using a fantastic new product by General Finishes, their Flat Out Flat Topcoat. It’s water based – love that – and creates a great smooth, durable finish. It really is so simple to apply and I use it over both their milk paint and their new line of chalk style paint. Here is the video on the application process. So simple!
I’ll be back later this evening with the Link Party! Have a great Friday!
Thanks Suzanne! A question and a request 😉 How do you deal with the pooling in the crevices? And the request is for a video using the HPTC in Satin or Flat on a larger flat surface. That’s the part that throws me; being able to achieve an even and streak free application. Thank you!
Hi Jeannette – I will do it as soon as I can. I am going to begin work on a larger piece next week and that may be the perfect one to show you how to apply it over a bigger surface. As far as the pooling, I just dab at it with the corner of my sponge brush and then even it out. I found that especially in the crevices of these chairs, I had to go back a few times and dab at any excess to avoid any dripping.
What is the difference between this and their high performance flat sealer?
Hi Nancy, the High Performance is a poly and may be slightly more of a durable finish. This is what GF says about the Flat Out Flat: “FOF is a truly “Flat” water based topcoat with a velvety look and feel. Made with a durable self cross-linking acrylic, its performance characteristics are similar to High Performance. In addition it may be used over or under High Performance.” There you go! Honestly, I think you can use either over your paint finish for a fantastic finish. The FOF really is impossible to see on top of the paint while the High Performance (even the flat finish) still has a little bit of sheen. Hope this helps!
I’m really enjoying following you and your work!! We live in North Farm and I have a dry sink I would love to have painted in some way. I’m assuming that’s the kind of thing you do?? Betsy West
Hi Betsy – emailed you directly earlier 🙂 awesome you live in N. Farm!
Thank You Suzanne
I also would like to know the difference between this and their High Performance Topcoat.
Hi Suzanne. I am visiting family in Atlanta and for the first time ever, I saw General Finishes paint, sample colors and a color chart for the milk paint. Looks very interest ~ the finish on the milk paint is beautiful. Do you get the paint online or at a local retailer? I’ve never seen it in Dallas. I am a ASCP devotee but would love to try another finish. Thanks.
Hi Carol – I purchase my GF at a local store, The Woodworker’s Club. Its a totally different finish than ASCP which makes for a good option. Love the price point too. Have fun with it!
Hi Suzanne, I have just finished painting a bookshelf with General Finishes Black Milk Paint. When we moved it, we got a whitish/grayish streak/spots where we touched it. Do I have to repaint it? Or can I just apply a topcoat or wax?
Hi Barbara, you should seal it with either their Flat Out Flat or high performance sealer. It will prevent that from happening. I just did a tutorial on their topcoats and you can find it on my homepage/tutorials. Best of luck!
Hi Suzanne,
I am a new follower with much to learn! I’m intrigued by the Flat Out Flat product you have demonstrated in your video. My question is if I can use this over Annie Sloan chalk paint? I have carpel tunnel which is severely aggravated when applying and wiping off wax. This seems much more hand/wrist friendly. Not only is your work beautiful, but you are very generous with sharing your talent. Many thanks!
I just found your blog and love it. I am painting a couple of end tables black. I been wanting to try General Finishes Flat Out Flat, your tutorial is great. I notice that the FOF is white. Does it dry clear? How does it look over black or other dark colors?
Thank You, Jeanine
Hi Jeanine, yes the finish does dry clear. I made a few video tutorials where I show how to apply it. Just go to the Tutorials tab up top. I hope this helps and best of luck!