General Finishes Glaze Effects Application Steps

For less color & more control of depth and placement of glaze color, apply Glaze Effects over 1 coat of General Finishes High Performance Topcoat, any sheen. For a deeper color, apply directly over stain or paint. Test for adhesion over existing finishes before completing the project. 

1. Work in a well-ventilated area. 
2. Stir thoroughly to reincorporate solids that have settled to the bottom of the can before and throughout the application process.
3. Test color. To lighten, dilute with water based GF Glaze Effects Clear Base. 
4. Thin as desired with distilled water; start with 5%, adding up to 10% by volume. 
5. Increase open time, if needed, with 10-15% General Finishes Extender if allowed by local regulations. GF Extender will improve flow and leveling and increase open time, which is helpful in dry climates. California Residents: Adding more than 2% of GF Extender will make the products non-compliant per SCAQMD Regulations. GF assumes no liability for the improper use of these products.      
6. Apply 1+ coats:
   • Hand application: Apply a liberal coat using a synthetic bristle brush, foam brush, pad applicator or microfiber roller with smooth, even strokes. Wipe off excess with a cloth, high-quality absorbent paper towel or dry bristle brush. Do not use t-shirts. 
   • Spray application: Strain with a medium-mesh filter. Spray wet films at 3-5-mil thickness. HVLP: 1.3mm-2.0mm spray tip, medium air cap. Verify tip sizes with equipment supplier. See our general guide for spray tip sizes. Wear NIOSH-approved respiratory & eye protection. Read here for more information on spraying techniques. Wipe off excess with a cloth, high-quality absorbent paper towel or dry bristle brush. Do not use t-shirts. 
7. Sand between coats with 220-320 grit foam sanding sponge. Do not use conventional steel wool. Remove dust.
8. Seal with 3 coats of topcoat. 
9. Dry 3+ hours between coats and before GF water based topcoat in ideal conditions: 70°F/21°C; 50% humidity. Dry times may vary based on additive and mix-concentration used. Cooler temperatures & higher humidity may prolong dry time. Dry 24+ hours before applying GF oil-based products.  Increase dry time if: 
   • Humidity is over 80%
   • A thick coat is applied
   • 3+ coats are applied (not recommended)
   • Applying over an existing sealed finish
   • Applying over products from other brands
   • Layering General Finishes water- and oil-based products:
     • Water over oil: Let oil-based products dry 72+hr before applying water-based products
     • Oil over water: Let water-based products dry 24+hr before applying oil-based products

Cure Time
Water-based finishes cure and harden for full use after 21 days in ideal conditions. Avoid placing heavy objects on surfaces that have not completely cured. Treat gently, and do not clean with commercial products during the curing period.

Warning: Do not use water-based products with Linseed Oils or Danish Oils.

Step 3: Topcoat over Glaze Effects