My Top 5 Topcoats

Formerly my Top 4 Topcoats…Updated 9/1/23

We all learn as we grow, don’t we? Well, I’ve learned about a new-to-me topcoat and I’m here to share it with you!

Hello, Dear Readers!

Sheen describes how shiny something is.
I’ve decoded the terms for you here:

flat/matte=no shine
(like a chalkboard)
satin=a little shine
(like an eggshell)
gloss=very shiny (like put on your sunglasses!)

A topcoat (sometimes called a sealer) is a product you brush, wipe, or spray on your project once it’s painted or stained to protect it and/or to add sheen.

I’ve tried a lot of topcoats in my day, some successful, some not so much. Here I share the four five that I like the most. Try one or try them all and let me know what you think!

First things first: Does your project need a topcoat?

NO:

Decorative objects
(frames, knick knacks)
Chalkboards (painted with chalkboard paint)
Objects that are not touched a lot (candle holders)
Items finished with paint that already has a topcoat built in

Your project is done!
Congrats!

YES:

Furniture
Objects that are touched a lot (trays, drawer pulls)
Items that come in contact with water
You want a shinier finish than what’s currently on your finished project.

You’re almost there!
Read on, my friend!

There are many options for sealing/topcoating a project. These are the five I like the most.
Breakdown on each below!

General Finishes High Performance Topcoat in Satin (this is the product that made me edit this post! It’s that good!): A liquid, water-based product. Apply with an automotive sponge wrapped in a nylon. The panty hose prevents bubbles…also you get to say panty hose ;). This stuff is legit!! It self levels, so apply and leave a wet edge THEN LEAVE IT ALONE. You will want to go back over it but resist the urge! Those edges will dry completely flat, trust me. It comes in a lot of sheens but Satin is my favorite because I think it’s the most universally liked by potential buyers. It takes a special person to love a high gloss or a flat—no judgment, you like what you like. Sand with high grit sandpaper (320-400) between coats. Apply 2-3 coats, at least two hours apart.

Rustoleum Ultra Cover in Clear: A spray topcoat that is super fast and easy. Choose your sheen and apply it the same way you apply spray paint.

Impatient? This is the one for you. And me.

Dixie Belle Gator Hide: A liquid, water-based product that gives waterproof, scuffproof protection. I’ve had the best luck with this one in terms of even coverage. It has a bit of a satin sheen once dry. Gently stir, then use Dixie Belle’s blue sponge or a brush (but I recommend their sponge for more flawlessness). Use up to three thin coats, applied two hours apart. No sanding between coats. You can only get this from their website or an authorized retailer, so if you would rather just go to the hardware store…

Minwax Polycrylic: Also a water-based liquid product for waterproof, scuffproof protection. It comes in all the sheens. Gently stir, then use a brush to apply. I’ve had issues with brush strokes with this one, so be sure to do a super light coat and don’t try to re-work an area that you already covered until it’s completely dry—even if you feel like you missed a tiny spot, you can get it on the second/third coat. DO NOT use a foam applicator unless you want millions of tiny bubbles in your finished project. Let dry two hours, then sand lightly with 220 or 320 grit in between coats (to get rid of any brush strokes). Find this at any hardware store.

*DO NOT shake any of the canned products to mix them.

If you do, there will millions of tiny bubbles. Followed by hours of waiting for them to settle out of the product, at which point you will stir it like I told you to in the first place.

Wax. Perfect for projects (or parts of projects) that aren’t going to get heavy use. (Table legs for example.) Wax gives a satin finish. Apply it with a lint-free cloth or a wax brush, let it dry about 30 minutes, and buff with a clean, lint-free cloth.

Just like the Karate Kid: “wax on, wax off".” Sorry. I can’t help it.

Isn’t she so cute??

You may choose to use multiple topcoats on the same project. On this nightstand, I used Gator Hide on her top and shelf (scruff protection, contact with water glasses, etc), and I chose wax for her legs (wanted a subtle sheen).

I also have posts about spray paint, chalk paint, and sandpaper…go take a peek!

As always, please reach out to me if you have questions, I’ll do my best to help!

Hugs, Jen