General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Oil-Based Topcoat

General Finishes Arm-R-Seal is an oil-based urethane topcoat for interior wood. It's made to be wiped on with a cloth or applied with a foam brush, and it penetrates the wood for deep protection with a natural look. It's one of the most durable finishes General Finishes makes. Choose satin, semi-gloss or gloss in a pint, quart or gallon.

Specifications

• Type: oil-based urethane topcoat, interior only
• Color: dries amber and deepens over time
• Sheens: satin, semi-gloss, gloss
• Sizes: pint, quart, gallon
• Coverage: 50–60 sq. ft. per pint, 100–125 per quart, 400–500 per gallon
• Recommended coats: 3
• Dry to touch: 12+ hours; recoat: 24+ hours
• Light use: 7–10 days; full cure: 30 days
• Viscosity: thin

How to apply

• Sand raw wood up to 150 grit and remove the dust. Over a new stain, don't sand: apply directly.
• Stir well and often. The flatting agents that make satin settle quickly.
• Wipe on a liberal coat with a cotton cloth, foam brush or staining pad, then wipe off the excess with the grain using light pressure.
• Let each coat dry 12–24+ hours, then sand lightly with a 320-grit or finer sponge or 0000 steel wool.
• Apply 3 coats. More coats won't add durability.

Good to know

• Because it ambers, don't use it over light or white finishes.
• It can go over Danish oil, linseed oil or tung oil once they're dry (allow overnight).
• Clean up with mineral spirits. Rags and applicators soaked in oil-based finish can catch fire on their own: put them in a sealed, water-filled metal container.

Need a color first? See General Finishes Gel Stain, or browse all wood finishes.

Questions

Should I sand between coats of Arm-R-Seal?

Yes. General Finishes recommends sanding between coats with a 320-grit or finer sanding sponge or 0000 steel wool, then removing the dust.

What is Arm-R-Seal used for?

It's a clear protective topcoat for interior wood, applied over raw wood, a new stain or a prepared existing finish. It isn't for exterior use.

How many coats of Arm-R-Seal do I need?

Three. General Finishes says more than three coats won't improve durability.

How long does Arm-R-Seal take to dry?

12+ hours to the touch and 24+ hours before recoating in ideal conditions (70°F, 50% humidity). Allow 7–10 days before light use and 30 days to cure fully.

Which sheen is easiest to apply?

Semi-gloss and gloss, because they have little or no flatting agent. Satin needs a liberal coat and light pressure to avoid streaks.