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Can't tell the difference between these two General Finishes

2K views 6 replies 6 participants last post by  RichT 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
This is the finish I normally like to use: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/arm-r-seal-top-coat-satin-pint
It is labeled simply "oil-based arm-r-seal satin"
I don't understand what is different about this one: https://www.woodcraft.com/products/arm-r-seal-top-coat-satin-quart
It is labeled "oil and urethane topcoat"

The first link of the "oil-based arm-r-seal satin" is a urethane also, isn't it?

I'm asking because I ordered a gallon of this from Home Depot https://www.homedepot.com/p/General-Finishes-1-gal-Satin-Arm-R-Seal-Urethane-Interior-Topcoat-GF-ASGA/305227228

I honestly don't know which it is, because it uses the picture of the first one (the oil-based arm-r-seal satin I normally use). but it labels it "Satin Arm-R-Seal Urethane Interior Topcoat" LOL so I have no idea which it really is and what the differences is between these two are. All I know is that the normal arm-r-seal in satin is the kind I prefer, NOT the "topcoat" type. By "topcoat" I'm assuming it is just a normal polyurethane, which I don't like to use because it gives surfaces a plastic like look. I'm hoping someone can clear this all up, because I'm super confused.
 
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#4 ·
+1 same stuff different label.

FWIW - Couple of comments as you move to larger project or volumes of Arm-R-Seal (ARS):

- Satin finish is achieved by adding flattening agent to gloss version of ARS. Use of flattening agents in thick top coat can make finish cloudy, and obscure grain. If you want a thick film build applied by wiping on many layers of ARS; it is recommended that you use gloss version for all, but top 1~2 coats.

- The flattening agent settles to bottom of can quite easily. IME is more noticeable in gallon cans. Have seen material settling on bottom in as little as 15 minutes. So remember to mix/stir any satin ARS top coat often, or you will find glossy spots on project. For same reason, work quick and do not re-touch large panels or you might see streaks in sheen level.

If need satin finish on a project that requires a gallon of finish, and the project has large panels; normally use spray gun with satin lacquer, conversion vanish, or 2K poly instead. Large panel satin sheen finishes require more attention to application method, to enable covering surfaces quickly, evenly, with zero touch up.

Best Luck!
 
#5 ·
It s all the same stuff. If it says Arm-R-Seal, that s what it is, regardless of the label design. There are not different versions of Arm-R-Seal other than the sheen.

They change their labels occasionally. In fact if you want, you can even go vote for your favorites on their web site.

- Rich
+1
 
#7 ·
- Satin finish is achieved by adding flattening agent to gloss version of ARS. Use of flattening agents in thick top coat can make finish cloudy, and obscure grain. If you want a thick film build applied by wiping on many layers of ARS; it is recommended that you use gloss version for all, but top 1~2 coats.

- CaptainKlutz
Technically, they are called flatting agents.

I've seen that gloss/satin schedule mentioned before. I've done it both ways and found no perceptible difference, but without quantifying it, it's just a subjective observation, so YMMV.

I don't think of Arm-R-Seal as something I'd use to build that thick of a film anyway.
 
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