Take a few minutes to research whether the sealer can be applied directly to the metal and see if the process works. It is better to coat steel with a clear coat to make it look better and extend its life. However, you can preserve it in the fridge to use at a later time only that its quality shall have gone down. A clear coat with a nozzle will make the application process easy, leaving no blemishes on your metal surface. This coating is also highly chemical resistant because of its dense, non-porous nature and cross-linked molecular composition. Click here for the current price. But honestly, over the years, I have gotten lazy and just clean them with whatever I was using on the countertops and havent had any issues. The three steps are an easy-to-follow guide that ensures you correctly apply the formula to improve the metals durability and protect it from both acids and alkali. Karin, Your email address will not be published. Im doing only a couple pieces at a time, as I cant paint all pieces at once. I hope this help! Chalk paint is not known for its durability and it is not waterproof, so it needs some kind of coating to provide a harder surface and to seal in the paint. How To Remove Paint Off Kitchen Cabinets With Alcohol? When Im ready to do kitchen cabinets ,I will use Ben Moore advance alkyd paint , theres a lot of steps and long curing time so I wanted something a little simpler for table and hutch . Varathane states it has the best scratch and stain resistance available and based on our findings, I believe them! This curing process, combined with the general hardness and flexibility of POR-15 Clear Rust Preventive Coating, results in an indestructible metal coat. Traditionally, oil-based polyurethanes were the main clear coats used on furniture but now more water-based formulas are on the market. Rust Bullet offers a durable protective coat against rust, thus, ensuring your metal lasts longer. I am looking for a super inexpensive solution that looks nice and that I can do myself. Does the polyurethane not work as well on paint? Join me as I give you my best DIY tips and home decor hacks while sharing some faith-filled encouragement along the way. Furniture wax can be a beast. I used your guide to repaint some furniture white & used the water based poly coat. 2022 UPDATE: At the time I wrote this post, Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane did not have a flat (matte finish) but now they do. Each group consists of hundreds of professional furniture painters. The top coat makes the surface harder and therefore more durable. The best outdoor sealers have always been oil-based but fortunately, water-based outdoor sealants have come a long way lately. Thats why selecting the right clear coat for your painted wood furniture is so important. Look for stable ground and place the top of the can, then push the red button firmly while pressing the pin into the can. I am happy to find your website and blog. Additionally, you can use this clear coat to protect your valued metals from oxidizing, UV rays, mildew, bleach, acid rain, chlorine, and saltwater. Paint your surfaces either by brushing, spraying, or rolling for a shiny look. Thanks in advance for your assistance. Thank you! They are the same product. The clear coats I experimented with were all matte and satin finishes: Dont forget to download the FREE step-by-step printable checklist that shows you the exact process Ive used on dozens of furniture pieces while saving you time and money! In case a polish containing acid was used on the metal before, or you suspect so, neutralize the acid first before coating. Although its water-based, it is the most durable top coat that I have come across that wont yellow. But No Worries! By adding extra polyacrylic, it seemed to minimize streaking significantly! Read and understand the guidelines well before you start using this clear coat. Art Radar conducts original research and scans global news sources to bring you the taste-changing, news-making and up-and-coming in Asian contemporary art. The biggest downside to polycrylic was the pretty obvious water ring left on the sample but it provided a very smooth finish. Because of its transparency, the clear coat will not cover your metals base paint but give it a shiny new look. This clear coat can also be used to preserve the shine of mirror-polished metals without distorting images. Let me know if you have any other questions! Building a pine/oak item for my grandkids to use in the kitchen and my daughter wants it painted, but safe and very durable (will have food/drink on it, so lots of clean-up). While most clear coats dry because of evaporation, POR-15 Clear Rust Preventive Coating needs moisture to dry faster. This spray paint will dry in 15 minutes, leaving a smooth, perfectly leveled coverage and bright color. Clear liquid oils made from natural chemicals arent as effective as other clear sealers but there are still several winners on the list with low VOCs. Exterior wood surfaces are obviously exposed to hard conditions such as rain, humidity, and high temperatures. Why should I protect my painted furniture with a topcoat? (As an Amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases. Rust Bullet Clear Shot Protective Coating works perfectly to prevent rust even in high humid environments. Some bubbles were left in the finish but they quickly popped upon drying leaving a super smooth finish with no brush marks. There is definitely a learning curve as far as technique and the wax has to be reapplied regularly to maintain the durability of the finish. Hey Lou, Thank you for your comment? It is recommended that you use this clear coat in a well-ventilated area and have on your protective wear. Blessings, Karin. the past year. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Read more here. Crystalacs Water-based topcoat was a close second but the price is almost twice as much. You, therefore, need to make more than one application. CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT PRICE & REVIEWS, Since writing this post, Varathanes Waterbased Polyurethane came in a satin sheen but not in a flat/matte finish. After three coats, the finish was still very clear and not hazy at all, even on the stained sample. 7. It will not yellow and I have used it on three tables. I guess my most important question is can I use the water based products over the finish after lightly sanding out the wear marks? A stain is a product that penetrates wood pores instead of covering them. Born in Singapore and based in New York City, Brittney maintains a deep interest in the contemporary art landscape of Southeast Asia. I have a question: What do you think about painting indoor wood steps (our staircase) in black chalkpaint and then using polycrylic (maybe satin finish) as a sealer? The instructions on the can say to sand in between but dont do that. There are a variety of clear coats. Karin, thank you for your lightning quick reply!! When the coating is dried, it will become rock solid. There are several clear coat brands in the market; therefore, you must choose the right one that will serve your needs. You can use a lint-free cloth, paint sprayer, sponge brush, or an applicator pad to coat. Clear coats can work on several paint options including mineral paints, media paints, decorative paints, chalk paint and latex. UPDATE: Since writing this post, Varathane has come out with a water-based wood paint sealer spray. (For a faux raw wood stain that looks great on natural materials and also laminate, click here: Raw Wood FInish with Latex Paint). Spray clear coats seem like they are incredibly convenient and if you are working on a craft project, they are. The only reason it was not the best chalk paint topcoat is because the price is higher than our top pick but its by far our best choice as the best clear coat for white paint. The very ingredient that gives chalk and milk paints their velvety look and powdery feel works against them in the durability department. 1/4 Pint Weight is 0.5 lbs (0.23 kg)coats about 12 sq ft (1.33 sq yd) of a metal surface. If you have a really high-gloss surface, wipe it down with a Magic Eraser Scrubber or paper bag. Mod podge will degrade over time if it is in contact with water on a regular basis. Good luck with your furniture painting project and Id love to answer any questions you have in the comment section below. We have a chest that has been sanded and stained but we are unclear as to how we should finish it. However, you can speed up this process by using heaters, fans, or even placing the metal in an oven at 180F (82.2C) for about an hour. Theres a product called Zinnser BIN and its the only thing that I have found that prevents knot holes from coming through over time. After finding out their favorite clear coats, I narrowed down their favorites to the top 8. Its too dull and matte. It should also be easy to apply, resulting in no coat irregularities evenly. In addition to waxing, you can use it semipermanently. In your experience does the varathane water based polyurethane hold up to test to scratches on dark stain? Karin. How Many Gallons Fo Paint To Paint A Car? And I fully agree about sanding. Great question Stephanie! Also, its a good idea to use a top coat on any furniture pieces exposed to regular humidity like kitchen or bathroom cabinets. EVERBRITE clear coating also seals rusted metals. All metallic surfaces must be thoroughly cleaned and not bear any dust or debris to avoid unfavorable results. Once the metal is clean, apply a generous amount of ProtectaClear Coating. Keep left overcoating in a tightly sealed container for future touch-ups or use. An EVERBRITE protective coating kit comes with Nitrile gloves, an applicator, and coating instructions. The top has child and cat scratches but none through to the stain. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.
Leave it to dry up after application completely. Whether you are looking for the best top coat for chalk paint or even for latex paint or stain, this is a good general rule of thumb: BOTTOM LINE: If your painted wooden furniture piece will come into regular contact with water, food, or little fingerprints, you need a topcoat for the ultimate protection! Clear Guard is UV stable, can withstand harsh weather, and resistant to water, salts, chemical damage, marring, and perspiration. The Ultimate Guide to Painting Cabinets Like A Pro, Varathane Water-Based Spray Clear Coat for Wood, 15 Stunning Painted Furniture (Before and After Reveals), The Ultimate Guide to The Best Furniture Paint, 202, A Better Alternative to Chalk Paint for Furniture, The Absolute Best Paint for Cabinets 24 Brands Blind-Teste, The absolute best clear paint sealer for wood and why wax is not the best top coat for chalk paint. Steel that coats themselves with a clear coating in excess of 30% s also helps to prevent fading, oxidizing and damaging effects from UV rays. Hope this helps! It can be tricky to find a sealer with absolutely no toxic fumes but you will always find fewer VOCs with water-based polyurethanes like Varathanes Waterbased Polyurathanes or General Finishes Water-based Sealers. We love that it has a very consistent, velvety matte finish that had no streaks or bubbles. Thanks for being a subscriber!! What You Need to Know, Where to Sleep If You Have Bed Bugs: Complete Guide, The application procedure is easy to follow, Perfect for both restoration and protection of metal, Just a single layer is enough for great results resembling the original paint, Protects against rust, corrosion, and tarnishing, Provides excellent resistance to scratching and abrasion, Has no color deviation even when used in sweltering temperatures. One can of Dupli-Color General Purpose Acrylic Crystal Clear can be used on up to 12 to 14 sq ft (1.3 to 1.6 sq yd) of a metal surface. You can use this on to coat about 100 sq ft (11.1 sq yd) of a metal surface. I love that this sealer has almost no odor making it perfect to use indoors when refinishing furniture projects making it a great chalk paint clear coat (Click here for more reviews on the best sealer for chalk paint). Apply a light coat of clear coat in a covered location where leaves cant fall on the surface. Oil-based polys are very water-resistant but are not recommended for outdoor use as they may crack or yellow when exposed to UV light. A clear coating that comes in a handy size of 4 Oz, EverBrite 4 Oz is an excellent coating for metal. We have used the varathane Nano varnish in matte on our stairs and unfortunately with every scratch it turned white (looks awful ) so we are hoping to avoid such experience again. Apply two coats for maximum results. Other times you might want to preserve the old finish which was the case on these end tables of my mother-in-laws. best clear coat for painted wood furniture (CLICK HERE FOR THE CURRENT PRICE), Click Here To See My Best Furniture Before and After Reveals, The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested & Reviewed), The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested and Reviewed), Varathane Water-based Polyurethane (See reviews here. Any of the top three choices would work beautifully on milk paint but if you like a super matte finish, this one is your best bet for use on milk paint whether it is General Finishes Milk Paint or Miss Mustard Seeds Milk Paint! Sculpt Nouveau Clear Guard has excellent adhesion to metal and can be used by all types of clear coat application equipment. The best top coat is the one that you cant tell is there. IMPORTANT TIP: The fine print on your can might call for a light sanding between coats of clear coat. You can go from a gloss to matte in just one coat of a seal coat in matte or satin without repainting your furniture piece. Sheen refers to the amount of shine on a piece of furniture ranging from high gloss, gloss, semigloss, satin, and then matte for the least shine. This sounds excessive but our top three clear coats all have very fast dry times, which will cut down on the time to finish your project. Metal is usually prone to rust, corrosion, and tarnishing. Hi Marla, The Varathane Waterbased Poly is the best way to go and you can pick from different sheen colors. You can also use Dupli-Color General Purpose Acrylic Crystal Clear on trailer projects. The Varathane Water-based Topcoat was the best option for latex-painted furniture as it settles well and protects latex furniture from water which could cause bubbling or peeling on unprotected latex surfaces. Microsoft and partners may be compensated if you purchase something through recommended links in this article. The Everbrite solution offers two distinct benefits: preventing rust stains from etching water out of steel and sealing up damp water inside. Someone asked me how to refinish a piece of furniture that had been clear coated with an oil-based polyurethane. For the best protective finish for stained wood, Id pick General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat. Many faux finishes use glaze and special techniques to highlight different features of the furniture. Speedokote SMR 1150 is an affordable acrylic urethane clear coat. Below are the three steps: The POR -15 Top Coat paint is sensitive to UV. Use this Cleaner on painted surfaces as well. Rust Bullet Clear Shot Protective Coating is available in three sizes as follows: Krylon Colormaster Metal Spray-Paint is moisture resistant and can withstand any type of weather condition without cracking. Want to transform a furniture piece but dont know where to begin? Minwax polycrylic sealer is a popular choice as a water-based version of polyurethane and one of the topcoats we tested. I feel like Im second guessing everything. Heres a little about the pros and cons of each: It used to be that all clear polyurethanes were oil-based but now you are seeing several polyurethanes that are water-based and just as durable! So, dont put any clear coat over wax including polyurethane. SprayMax 2K High Gloss, clear spraycoat, high shine. Galvanizing covers steel or iron with zinc for better rust protection. Therefore, the surface can still be easily scratched as there is no protective finish for a typical stain. When you are finished with your first thin coat over the entire surface, dont touch it and let it dry according to the directions on the can. It can be applied er over other coatings. Once you have cleaned the metal, neutralize any present rust and prep the metal with Metal Prep. In the same way, a topcoat (or clear coat) acts as an insurance policy against the potential damage caused by the daily use of everyday life. One reviewer said she used it as a clear coat on white-painted wood salad bowls and after ten years, there was no yellowing. Some wood sealants might be harder but can also leave a yellow haze on white pieces. Always ensure you double-check for dryness and cleanliness before proceeding with the coating application. Transparency of a clear coat ensures that the coating does not cover the metals base paint. I wish I was joking but to maintain that wax finish you have to reapply the wax every so often. Many reviewers have used it in a paint sprayer with no problem and have even used it without sanding between coats. Clear wax is not the only option for sealing chalk-painted pieces of furniture. Thanks Karen! Sometimes you want to seal bare wood to preserve the look of the natural wood but also to provide it with a protective finish. Thank you for all the trial and error you have done so the rest of us can get it right! The Varathane water-based poly is on my breakfast table over a dark stain. There were also no brush strokes in the finish! See the best chalk paint topcoat here. Quart Weights 2.5 lbs (1.1 kg). The base is white using chalk paint. This clear coat is highly resistant to moisture and alcohol so it is great for use on any surface that demands a hard, tough, protective finish. Hi Karen, Certain types of wood species are softer than others and ironically some of these are actually hardwoods but a few coats of a good sealer can go a long way in protecting wooden surfaces. This protective clear coat is durable, long-lasting, and self-leveling. Its up to you whether you want to apply a top coat to the entire piece or just the top surface. While sealing wax can waterproof a surface, there is a definite learning curve with applying wax properly. I only use affiliate links on products I use and love. If you have, you know how incredibly frustrating that can be. and can coat approximately 50 sq ft (5.6 sq yd) of metal surface. Any hard furniture that gets a decent amount of regular use needs protection. (See how chalk paint did in my testing: The Best Paint for Furniture (24 Brands Blind-Tested and Reviewed). Ive tested 8 of the most popular topcoats and compared reviews to find the best protective finish for your next furniture project and also the easiest chalk paint sealer and wax alternative! Just scuff or apply an entirely new coating afterwards. Clearcoat is a clear liquid that can be brushed on the surface with a good brush. what is the hardest clear coat for metal? This chest will be heavily used by children and need the ultimate protection. If you are wondering how to seal chalk-painted kitchen cabinets, your best bet is Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane. To activate, you need to remove the red button from the cap. Also, the wax and special bush are another cost consideration when picking the best chalk paint clear coat. Therefore, if your metal was exposed to sunlight, you need to apply a top coating to protect the metal from corrosion. EVERBRITE clear coats fade and scratch resistance characteristics will help improve your metals durability and protect it from scratching, chipping, and peeling. Especially if you have young kids, your tabletop, desk, or other small projects can be easily ruined with an accidental scratch or water damage from a drinking glass left on it for too long not to mention spills! If you mean the polyacrylic, the Varathane water-based polyurethane didnt leave any streaks, had a clearer finish and left no water marks after the drinking glass test. Hi Karin , Im truly amazed with all the useful information here !! How Long Does a Memory Foam Mattress Take to Expand? What is the Best Sealer for Wood Projects? The best clear coat for metal should be transparent for the base paint, and its gloss level more than 90 units to achieve a shiny look. (just the top of it) Is that ok? can you spray clear lacquer on bare metal? Thank you, Hi there, so sorry to hear that about your chest! Water-based clear coats are easy to clean up, are low odor and the finish is much less likely to change over time. Just like clear coating painted furniture, be sure to let the stain dry for at least 48 hours and sand very lightly. Not only is there a learning curve but it is time-consuming to apply the wax. This clear coat lasts for only 24 hours after activation. If you dont stir in the solids, your finish will be a high gloss finish. What is your recommendation for cleaning those pieces? POR-15 has a three-step application process that entirely does away with rust and permanently protects the metal from rusting. Any feedback is greatly appreciated! The paper bag is enough to rough up the surface so the clear coat sticks to the stain but it doesnt leave any scratches in the stain. On most wood items, you can use a decoupage medium like mod podge on wood crafts or home decor items like coasters or wooden trays. Be sure to apply it within temperatures of 65 85 degrees Fahrenheit. However, depending on the temperature of the environment, drying could take a longer or shorter time; 12 hours if the ambient temperature is at 68F (20C), 35-45 minutes at 140F (60C) metal temperature. A good sealant is an insurance policy to keep a furniture piece in good condition. Instead, it wipes cleanly and easily from the topcoat! Any thoughts? ), Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic Protective Finish (click here for the current price), Varathane Water-Based Polyurethane (click here for the current price), General Finishes Flat Out Flat Topcoat (click here for the current price), Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane (click here for the current price), Crystalac Water-based General All-Purpose Top Coat (click here for the current price), Varathane Ultimate Polyurethane, Oil-Based (click here for the current price), General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat (click here for the current price), Annie Sloan Wax (click here for the current price), Where to Buy Varathane Water-based Polyurethane, Easy Restoration Hardware Finish With Paint, DIY Farmhouse Coffee Table with Turned Legs, Best Top Coat for Chalk Paint General Finishes High-Performance Top Coat in Flat, General Finishs High-Performance Top Coat in Flat Finish (click here for the current price), Varathane Waterbased Polyurethane in Matte.