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Product Price Qty
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, 1/2 Pint
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, 1/2 Pint Item #34379
In stock
$11.99 Half Pint
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, Pint
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, Pint Item #38154
In stock
$14.99 Pint
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, Quart
General Finishes Gel Satin Topcoat, Quart Item #32313
In stock
$24.99 Quart
Shipping Restrictions: Ground Transportation Only
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General Finishes Gel Satin Top Coat

Gel Topcoat is an easy-to-apply oil and urethane topcoat ideal for projects where a soft, hand-rubbed finish is desired.
Item #
GRP11243
Rating:
96% of 100
(142)

This easy-to-apply wipe-on, low odor gel, won't drip or run and creates a uniform professional quality finish.

(1) General Finishes Gel Topcoat
More Information
Brand General Finishes
Tech Spec
  • Color tone: Warm amber tone
  • Application: Wipe on with a cloth, Natural bristle brush, foam brush, paint pad applicator
  • Cleanup: Mineral Spirits
  • Coats: Minimum 3 coats, additional coats can be applied
  • Sanding: On bare wood sand to 150 or 180. Can be wet sanded into the wood using 400-600 grit. Wipe off excess after sanding.
  • Sealer: General Finishes Seal A Cell Clear, oil base Pre-stain Natural Conditioner, or can be used as a self sealing finish on it's own on bare wood or stripped surfaces.
  • Use: Interior Use only
  • VOC: < 550 grams/liter
    		•
    Dry Time 24 hrs
    Finish Satin
    Color Clear
    Size Pint, Quart
    Use Interior
    Powered by TurnTo
    4.8 / 5.0
    141 Reviews
    5 Stars
    4 Stars
    3 Stars
    2 Stars
    1 Star
    118
    16
    4
    1
    2
    Easy and looks great
    Great stuff, easy to apply and looks great!
    June 6, 2020
    Purchased
     2 months ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Intermediate
    Gel stain top coat
    I just finished a cherry sideboard. I experimented with several finishes I had in my shop but didn't like any of them because of the different color results they produced depending on whether they were applied on solid cherry wood or on the cherry veneer panels in the sideboard. The General Finishes Gel Coat produced a nearly identical finish on both surfaces and really brought out the grain. It was a breeze to apply and dried quickly.
    May 25, 2020
    Purchased
     1 month ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Intermediate
    Great product for a newbie to do top coats
    This was my first experience refinishing furniture. This top coat was easy to use. I am very happy with the results and pleased with how user friendly it was.
    February 9, 2020
    Purchased
     5 months ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Beginner
    General finishes is great
    I enjoy the wipe on poly for ease of application.
    December 7, 2019
    Purchased
     over 4 years ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Intermediate
    Have used general finish products for many years
    July 22, 2019
    Purchased
     12 months ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Intermediate
    Good product
    Love how easily this applies and protects. Done right and you'll have no runs
    July 14, 2019
    Purchased
     1 year ago
    As a woodworking hobbyist I don't use a lot of finish at one time as a norm. I don't see any problems with Gel Topcoat as far as using numerous times without expecting to dispose of it before the can is empty.
    July 13, 2019
    Purchased
     1 year ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Intermediate
    Looks great - easy to apply
    This had a great looking finish. very easy to apply.
    March 31, 2019
    Purchased
     1 year ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Advanced
    Another repeat purchase
    I absolutely LOVE this product!! I have purchased it many times and love the consistency and look of the finished product. The only downside is that it requires 24 hours between coats so I use another product if I am crushed for time.
    January 23, 2019
    Purchased
     over 4 years ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Beginner
    General Finishes Gel Topcoat
    I use this product primarily as a sealant for blotch prone woods like maple and poplar. I dilute the product with 1 part product to 3 parts paint thinner. Apply it .. wipe off excess .. and allow to dry 24 hours. Provides excellent results. Even color after staining .. no blotching.
    User submitted image
    Added Oct 24, 2018
    October 24, 2018
    Purchased
     1 year ago
    Woodworking Experience:
    Advanced
    Powered by TurnTo
    Start typing your question and we'll check if it was already asked and answered. Learn More
    Browse 28 questions Browse 28 questions and 36 answers
    Why did you choose this?
    Rockler Store
    great finish, very easy to apply
    Dick on Aug 18, 2018
    looks easier than my current wipe-on poly.
    James M on Jun 24, 2018
    great finish, very easy to apply
    Dick on Aug 18, 2018
    Prior use.
    Michael M on Aug 15, 2018
    looks easier than my current wipe-on poly.
    James M on Jun 24, 2018
    The best I have ever used. Referred by an old custom wood worker in Mo. It was all he used
    John D on Jun 22, 2018
    Have used before
    Dennis T on Jun 21, 2018
    I've used this many times before. It is the easiest and best finish for any wood project.
    MARIE C on Jun 8, 2018
    Easy to use and the wood looks good with the topcoat.
    Glendon N on Jun 1, 2018
    Fellow puzzle-makers say it's great, so I'll try.
    Dave R on May 27, 2018
    Best product I've found
    Caroline C on May 20, 2018
    Have used this product before and really like it.
    Ronald H on Apr 26, 2018
    Great to work with
    Janet R on Apr 24, 2018
    best I can find
    Curtis P on Apr 15, 2018
    Refinishing kitchen cabinets
    John B on Apr 9, 2018
    Using for 5 years and love it. Easy to use. Wipe on and wipe off. I use Bounty towels only so lint does not stay on my Intarsia project.
    Mary W on Mar 28, 2018
    bought gel stain needed topcoat
    Kathy H on Mar 20, 2018
    Ease of application and results
    Michael M on Mar 11, 2018
    good product.Like the finished product look
    Jeff B on Feb 22, 2018
    I've used this for years, finally ran out. Great product.
    Clifton N on Feb 19, 2018
    great reviews
    william c on Feb 18, 2018
    I ran short refinishing interior doors
    Paul C on Feb 5, 2018
    Have used this product for the last year and I love it on almost anything I'm working on. It goes well on almost any wood type, is easy to apply, and cleanup is a breeze.
    Louis B on Jan 26, 2018
    Like the idea of a gel topcoat
    Jennifer W on Jan 7, 2018
    Kitchen Cabinets. Have used Java before, Loved
    Sherry P on Jan 3, 2018
    home woodworker - total amateur - and rely on this wipe on poly for most projects!
    Lisa J on Dec 4, 2017
    I like all of their other products and figured I'd give this a try for certain things.
    Chris on Nov 22, 2017
    Have used in the past on my Intarsia projects and is easy to use, not too strong a smell and the finished product looks great.
    Mary W on Oct 30, 2017
    Wanted to try something different
    Walter L on Sep 5, 2017
    Easy to apply with great results
    Tammy I on Aug 31, 2017
    for table top
    Trudy v on Aug 26, 2017
    This is so easy to use and get great results.
    Tammy N on Aug 24, 2017
    Only stain my husband uses.
    KRISTEN R on Aug 3, 2017
    I've had very good luck with gel topcoats and the price and delivery charge(0.00) makes this a no-brainer ordering from Rockler
    Garey M on Jul 24, 2017
    Like this finish
    Jennifer B on Jul 21, 2017
    The Gel Topcoat is very easy to apply and we like the finish.
    Jose J on Jul 12, 2017
    To protect gel stain
    SHARON C on Jun 28, 2017
    used this on my bathroom cabinets; easy to use.
    Guest S on Apr 22, 2017
    Recommended to me via a video
    Marjorie B on Mar 30, 2017
    Easy to use
    Tracy B on Mar 22, 2017
    Very easy to apply, works better in warm areas.
    William B on Mar 15, 2017
    The reviews were wonderful.
    Angela C on Mar 12, 2017
    The product has great reviews.
    Donnica M D on Mar 8, 2017
    I liked the thought of putting this on my pieces with a cloth instead of a brush, more control and not as shiny, smoother.
    Tamera B on Feb 17, 2017
    READ EXCELLENT REVIEWS
    PATRICIA A V on Feb 17, 2017
    give it a shine finish
    Toan N on Feb 17, 2017
    This was recommended by a professional refinisher. I have struggle with polyurethane finishes in the past and the gel seems a better option
    Kim V on Feb 14, 2017
    very easy to apply, strong top coat
    Patti F on Jan 22, 2017
    used it before to finish wood cabinet and worked excellently
    Mario F on Jan 19, 2017
    Great stuff. So much easier to use. Not always the <br />very best looking, but never fails either.
    James K on Dec 24, 2016
    LOVE THE PRODUCT
    ROBERT W on Dec 2, 2016
    Wanted to try a wipe on finish for stained projects.
    Carol N on Nov 30, 2016
    Prior use.
    Michael M on Aug 15, 2018
    The best I have ever used. Referred by an old custom wood worker in Mo. It was all he used
    John D on Jun 22, 2018
    What is the difference between the General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Urethane Topcoat and the General Finishes Gel Topcoat? I have used the Rockler Polyurethane Gel Wipe-on Satin Clear Coat in the past but it seems the product has changed in the last 15 years. Thanks.
    Kim H on Feb 7, 2018
    General Finishes Gel Satin Top Coat
    General Finishes Gel Satin Top Coat
    General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Urethane Top Coat, Satin
    General Finishes Arm-R-Seal Urethane Top Coat, Satin
    I bought this by mistake and used this over the GF milk paint on a bathroom vanity. It looks really nice but not drying. We live in TN and we do have a bit of high humidity. I will give it two more days yet. Will this be a problem? If so, I can I fix it w/o ruining the milk paint? Ugh! Don't want to have to repaint and add a different top coat. Please advise.
    Marjorie B on Apr 22, 2017
    Applied over georgian cherry gel stain after 24 hour dry time but the topcoat stripped the color off - does anyone know what I did wrong?
    Alex L on Apr 17, 2016
    General Finishes Gel Satin Top Coat
    General Finishes Gel Satin Top Coat
    General Finishes Gel Stain, Georgian Cherry
    General Finishes Gel Stain, Georgian Cherry
    BEST ANSWER: Try allowing the stain to dry longer. Humidity, temperature, etc... will affect dry time. Once dry, you may want to try applying a seal coat before using the Gel Topcoat to prevent the color from stripping.
    You really do not have to sand gel topcoat between coats?
    kirakat on Oct 4, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: Nope. It’s an amazing product!
    Can this be used over Linseed Oil? Does it hold up well to heat and excessive use (I.e. dining room table)?
    Scott H on Nov 16, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: I believe that it can be used over oil IF the oil is completely dry, although I have not done this. Gel Topcoat is as strong as any urethane coating. Since it is a wipe-on finish, it goes on thinner and requires more coats than a brushed finish; But it can be applied on vertical surfaces, so it does save time.. I used four coats on bedroom furniture which I remodeled. I am presently using it on two leafs for a dining room table. It is plenty strong and durable.
    Is this an oil based product? Will it go over wood that has been coated with tung oil? Is it as durable as regular poly?
    WILLIAM P on Oct 18, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: Not sure about tung oil. But this does a great job over danish oil. I bet the result would be similar. I would let the oil finish cure and gas out a bit, then put this right over top!
    Do I have to sand Java Gel Stain before I apply Topcoat?
    Cassie on Mar 13, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: No, I did my entire kitchen, bath, and laundry room with the Java gel stain. Once it was dry (about 24 hrs) I applied the gel topcoat. It worked great. I would recommend that you apply two coats for best results. Apply the first coat lightly then after a day apply a second coat. The results are stunning. I did this about 18 months ago and my cabinets look great. Good Luck!!
    Can this product be thinned with mineral spirits?
    ted e on Nov 3, 2016
    BEST ANSWER: Yes, according to GF website it can be thinned with 10-15% mineral spirits.
    Can this be used over a polyacrylic finish?
    Dee M on Jun 1, 2015
    BEST ANSWER: I would try a light sanding on a area out of view and try it. My guess is that it would work,

    JM
    i plan to use this as a topcoat for a tabletop painted with a GF water based milk paint, will i have any problems?
    A shopper on May 8, 2015
    BEST ANSWER: General Finishes recommends use of http://www.rockler.com/general-finishes-ef-high-performance-polyurethane-top-coat-satin over their milk paints instead.
    Can this be used as exterior?
    Terry S on Apr 17, 2020
    BEST ANSWER: I have never used it in an exterior application oh, and I have my doubts that it would serve you well - better to stick to varnish in my humble opinion.
    Can this be used as a top coat for painted cabinets? It would be applied over Emerald Urethane Trim Enamel.
    Rob S on Dec 9, 2018
    BEST ANSWER: First I would apply it using a finishing pad, then wipe off excess with a rag. This product will not sag . Apply lightly use +400 grit between coats. Let it dry to directions between coats. I have used this on many projects with great results. Good luck.
    does this product turn yellow with time?
    LINDA S on Aug 2, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: Not in my experience, but the oldest piece I used it on is only about 15 years old.
    Is the urethane gel topcoat suitable for exterior furniture?
    lee e on Mar 3, 2016
    BEST ANSWER: I used it on interior window trim. This winter a leak occurred and water dried on the window seal but was not stained. I would recommend at least 4 applications for exterior furniture.
    Will the gel topcoat yellow ? Also will this go over regular oil-based paint?
    Amy M on Nov 17, 2015
    BEST ANSWER: I've been using this topcoat for over 12 years, no issues with yellowing. I use it almost ezclusivley with oil based stains- works great! I even promote it on my website .picture-frame-it-yourself.
    could this be used on something you would eat or drink from?
    james c on Oct 19, 2015
    BEST ANSWER: Any finish, when fully cured should be food safe, unless it contains lead, which this does not. But, as always, refer to the manufacturers information of the package to be sure.
    Can this be used over a lacquer finish?
    Chuck T on Apr 18, 2020
    BEST ANSWER: It can but I wouldn't recommend it. It was designed to go over stains or raw wood where it can penetrate into the wood more. If you do decide to use it over lacquer I would put very thing coats on, wiping most of it off with the grain. Arm-R-Seal would be a better choise.
    How long does this product have to cure before there is no noticeable off gassing?
    Vicjs on Oct 16, 2019
    BEST ANSWER: Could be 7 to 30 days? There are many variables that can affect the cure time. Number of coats, how thick the coats are, drying temp and humidity, curing temp and humidity, drying time in between coats. All of these can affect the cure time.
    I've finished a table with pure tung oil (not tung oil finish). Could I put this on top of a cured (1 month) oil finish for better durability?
    Joanna T on May 30, 2019
    BEST ANSWER: Yes, you should be able to that. without problem.
    Can this be used over painted wood?
    Bart T on Jun 29, 2018
    BEST ANSWER: I used it over a stained (sanded) piece of furniture. Love the product! Maybe check on Pinterest to see what they have to say!
    Applied oil satin polyurethane over java gel stain & had way too much shine.would gel stain top coat in satin correct that issue?
    Melissa D on Sep 18, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: Satin finish would definitely reduce gloss. Although some projects look better in high shine.
    Can the clear gel topcoat be dyed to match a particular color for refinishing a tabletop which has faded?
    Donald K on May 12, 2017
    BEST ANSWER: Sorry. I don't know. I never tried it. I've always stained the wood prior to coating.
    I have been using up my old Master Craft gell stains and clear coat. I love them, but can no longer find them. Is this product similar?
    Diane R on Jul 25, 2016
    BEST ANSWER: I find it similar but I thought it took more coats to get the same coverage. Also, it takes a longer to dry between coats.
    What is the difference between this and the Arm-R-Seal topcoat? Do I need to use both over a gel stain? If I don't want high shine, is one coat sufficient?
    Lorie B on Jan 3, 2016
    BEST ANSWER: Do not know about Arm R Seal However 1 coat of the General topcoat does a good job.If you want more shine add 1 more coat
    John M
    Can GF gel topcoat be used over interior satin enamel painted cabinets?
    Avia A on Apr 2, 2018
    Would applying wax tone down the shine from satin polyurethane over java gel stain?
    Melissa D on Sep 19, 2017
    Used on chalk paint, now it's tacky, how do I fix it?
    Barb B on Aug 2, 2017
    Can I put this product over a previous stain/varnish?
    Howard, H on Apr 19, 2017
    Prop 65 WarningWARNING: This product can expose you to Benzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer and birth defects or other reproductive harm. This product can expose you to chemicals including Ethylbenzene, which is known to the State of California to cause cancer, and Toluene, which is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. www.P65Warnings.ca.gov
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